Generally described, under on aspect of the invention, a single unique
delivery notice is left at the particular location. However, just before it is
left, this notice is electronically "linked" to the parcel(s) which were undeliverable.
This can be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device which includes
a conventional scanning means, allowing information to be scanned from the delivery
notice as well as labels on the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data
acquisition device. If ten parcels were undeliverable, only one delivery notice
is left behind but is electronically "linked" to all ten packages. The intended
recipient can then contact the delivery service via the internet (or other suitable
network) or by phone, by using information provided on the delivery notice. By
providing the delivery service with unique information from the delivery notice,
the intended recipient can get valuable information regarding the undelivered parcels.
Such information can include shipper name, how many packages from each shipper,
time of attempted delivery, COD status, etc. Arrangements can then be made to have
the package(s) redelivered, held at a local operation center, redirected, or returned.
