Contactless Delivery Guide

Making Late-Night Drops Work at Your Door

Contactless delivery after dark comes with its own small challenges. Porches are harder to see, building entrances may be locked, and drivers can't knock and wait without disturbing sleeping neighbours. A few details in your delivery instructions make a real difference to how smoothly a late-night drop goes.

Write instructions a stranger can follow in the dark

Describe the spot the way you would to someone who has never visited. "Side door, left of the blue recycling bin" is far more useful than "by the door." If your house number is hard to read at night, mention a landmark the driver can spot from the street, such as a porch light, a gate or a particular car in the driveway. Apartment residents should include the building name or entrance, the unit number and any gate or buzzer code they are comfortable sharing.

Light the way

Leaving a porch or entry light on is the single easiest way to help a driver find your door and set the order down safely. It also helps you. A well-lit drop spot makes it easier to check that everything arrived and reduces the chance of a bag sitting unnoticed.

Think about weather and wildlife

Portland nights are often damp, especially from autumn through spring. If you have a covered porch, a bench or a sheltered step, ask for the order to go there rather than on open ground. Hot food is best brought inside soon after the delivery notification arrives. Raccoons and neighbourhood cats are curious about anything left out overnight, so try not to let an order sit for long.

Keep your phone handy

Even with a contactless drop, the driver may need to reach you if a gate is locked or an address is unclear. Keep notifications switched on and your phone nearby until the order arrives. A quick reply can save a long wait outside a closed building.

Before you order

It's worth confirming that your address falls within our delivery zones and checking current service hours, since late-night coverage can vary by area. If something about your drop-off is unusual, the FAQ covers many common situations.