Methods and systems for obtaining a random sample from a batch of delivery items include determining what type of items are to be sampled, how many items are in the batch, and where the items in the batch are located. The items are typically located in several places as they undergo a sorting and delivery process. The number of items needed for the random sample, and the location(s) of the items to be included in the random sample is determined. The determined number of items are pulled from the batch at the specified location(s). The pulled items forming the random sample may then be analyzed to determine whether the batch conforms to information describing the batch and/or standards applicable to the batch.