In an age where online shopping has become as routine as a morning cuppa, Australians expect a certain level of service regarding parcel delivery.

But what happens when that service falls so short that it becomes laughable?

That's precisely what one Aussie experienced, and it has sparked a conversation about the state of delivery services in the country.

'It's becoming a joke,' said the frustrated customer, whose delivery driver was caught on camera in what can only be described as an appalling attempt at parcel delivery.

The incident, which has since gone viral, shows a delivery van pulling up to a residence, idling for a few moments, and then driving away without the driver ever attempting to deliver the package.

A video of a delivery driver skipping delivery was shared online. Credit: Reddit

This isn't just a one-off incident. Many Australians can relate to it, raising questions about the accountability of delivery drivers and the companies that employ them.

The customer's exasperation is palpable as they recount the driver's habitual negligence: 'And now I have to pick it up as there was "no safe place to leave it." How about you get out of your f****** van and ring the doorbell you were captured on?'

'And of course, there's nowhere to make a proper complaint and post office staff say "We can't do anything as they are contractors"...this woman does this every single time. One time, she pulled up outside. Sat there for 15 minutes, then drove off.'

'She should be fired.'

'Rant over. Thanks.'

​

The video, which was shared on social media, has attracted a chorus of sympathisers who share the customer's outrage.

Commenters are dismayed by the driver's lack of effort and the apparent parking violations captured in the footage.

The driver's actions—or lack thereof—have led many to call for her dismissal.

The community's response has been solidarity, with many urging the customer to lodge a formal complaint. 'Post a complaint…Doesn't matter that it is a contractor, AusPost contracts the contractor. You have evidence that is gold,' advised one commenter.

Others shared their success stories of holding delivery services accountable, suggesting that a well-documented complaint can lead to change.

Australia Post, the nation's postal service, has responded to the uproar by reiterating its commitment to customer satisfaction.

'Australia Post has strict protocols for delivery drivers, requiring them to knock three times, wait 30 seconds and take a photo of the front door or intercom,' a spokesperson stated.

'Customers with delivery concerns are encouraged to contact us on 13 POST (13 7678) so we can investigate.'

But this incident begs the question: Are these protocols enough? And what measures are in place to ensure that contractors adhere to them?

It's clear that the trust between consumers and delivery services is fragile, and incidents like this do little to mend it.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, reliable delivery is more than a convenience—it's a necessity.

Whether you need medication, mobility aids, or weekly groceries, having a dependable postal service is crucial.

That's why we encourage you to report any delivery issues promptly. Your voice matters and can lead to improvements that benefit the entire community.

In other news, an Australia Post customer shared a video of a postie skipping express parcel delivery in Auchenflower, Brisbane.

The video captured the driver snapping a photo of the letterbox instead of delivering the package. You can read more about it here.

Credit: Reddit​

Key Takeaways

• An Australian social media user shared a video showing a delivery driver failing to attempt a delivery, sparking outrage online.
• The shared footage shows the driver pulling up and driving off without leaving the vehicle or ringing the doorbell.
• Commenters encouraged the original poster to lodge a formal complaint with Australia Post, asserting the driver's actions were unacceptable.
• Australia Post has encouraged the customer to report the incident, highlighting that delivery drivers must follow strict protocols, including knocking and waiting.

Have you experienced similar delivery service failures? What actions did you take, and were they effective? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's work together to ensure our delivery services are held to the standard we deserve.

 

[CristinaV]

I had the same issues and complained to Auspost 3 times. My call was to the parcel delivery section. After the third complaint I received a call from the manager of my local delivery centre. He resolved the issue and I get my parcels delivered to my doo.
PS: online complaint doesn't work. Make a phone call, be polite and complain.

 

[BigJJ]

I regularly get parcels in the mail. My gripe is the delivery person will leave the package by the front door & will not even ring the bell. The area is exposed & can easily be seen from the street, even better when its wrapped in bright blue plastic

 

[waggadragon]

Next time if you see them pull up walk out the door and have a friendly talk

 

[Kim w]

YEs, I got a message from Australia post that said that my package could not be delivered because the gate was locking (no lock on gate)& another time because we had a dog (no dog) go figure.

 

[Teddy is my boy]

When l pay the fee for a delivery
l expect it to be delivered to my address, not to have to drive to the post office to pick it up

 

[Parrot]

Why don’t some Drivers do what they get PAID to do.. do they realise some people
actually have them on Camera as proof to show that they have not even bothered to get out of their vehicle…. Let’s hope one incident proven makes them think twice before being neglectful.

 

[Colette 3799]

No complaints from me, our delivery people are awesome.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I regularly get parcels in the mail. My gripe is the delivery person will leave the package by the front door & will not even ring the bell. The area is exposed & can easily be seen from the street, even better when its wrapped in bright blue plastic

I had the same comment but was told by one contractor that there were complaints about knocking on the door because it woke babies set off dogs and disturbed others so they are just to drop and leave. The messages sent to say when your parcel is expected to arrive is for recipients to keep an eye out.

 

[mOiOz]

I regularly get parcels in the mail. My gripe is the delivery person will leave the package by the front door & will not even ring the bell. The area is exposed & can easily be seen from the street, even better when its wrapped in bright blue plastic

I order practically everything online and approximately 80% of deliverers don't ring the doorbell! Because I have no cover past my front security door, items have been damaged by sun and rain.
I even have a sign next to my doorbell. "Please Ring Bell".
Very frustrating!

 

[Ezzy]

I have parcels delivered from time to time & needed to contact the company about their contractors & those from Australia Post because these were being left in plain sight of the road. Asked for these to be placed on the other side of the Portico out of sight. This is being done & has allayed any anxieties l previously had.

 

[marni]

If we kept every driver to the protocol there would be none that had a job. As stated this is an everyday occurrence We pay for delivery then you have to pick up at local post office, no refund!!

 

[Bridgit]

I solved our problems by getting a PO Box and Parcel Collect facility - it is surprising how many businesses will not send to PO boxes - why ? - at least it is safe.

 

[David567]

I had a woman delivery driver do the same thing. I saw her pull up outside and by the time I got to the door she was driving off. She left a ticket in the letter box to collect parcle from post office. I made a complaint. She did the same thing 2 weeks later. I saw the woman down the street and had a few choice words and later she was fired due to several complaints.

 

[Ramundus]

I have had over the last twenty years well over a hundred parcels delivered to my house. Only on six occasions that I remember did the post delivery person leave a card for me to pick up at the post office. Apart from that I have not had a problem with Australia Post. (except waiting in the queue at the post office.)

 

[marni]

I solved our problems by getting a PO Box and Parcel Collect facility - it is surprising how many businesses will not send to PO boxes - why ? - at least it is safe.

I get all sorts delivered and pay for delivery, why should I then have to go to post office (23 k return trip)

 

[Face-to-face]

Overy the years I have a few posties and each and everyone has been great, friendly and very accommodating. Eg. My driveway is quite long and I have had parcels not fitting in letterbox. So I rigged up a metal box near my front door. I caught the postman and explained what I had done. He delivers all my mail to the box. He went on holida6s and his replacement did it too. The parcel delivery person is a little different. She reverses down the driveway letting me and the dogs know she is here
For me it will be a very sad day when they go.

 

[Macarj]

I simply gave up and now they are kept at the post office and I get a text then when I am next going passed the post office I pick it up

 

[Reet]

I had a packet that was supposed to be delivered to me and I was advised on line that it had been delivered. I was at home all day the day it was supposed to have been delivered but no one knocked the door nor did they ring the bell. Not only did I not receive it but when trying to find out where it was I could only get robots on the phone with no real help at all. No card was left to give me details of how to collect it.
This same company apparently tried to deliver a larger parcel to me yesterday when I was out but had not advised me the date for delivery as with the previous package. If I had known it was to be delivered I would have cancelled my appointment so as to be home to receive it. At least this time they left a card with details of how to obtain my parcel but when I tried to reach them all I could get was robots on the phone again, with no real help except they did say it was to be delivered with the next 72 hours. I had no means to tell them I have appointments again tomorrow and Thursday and to arrange when Iwould be in to receive the parcel. I got the runaround on the internet as well as the robots. Why do they not employ at least one person who can take phone messages and arrange for the deliveries and advise you on the phone or by email?

 

[GeeT]

Knock 3 times & wait 30 seconds????
If you are elderly, or you have trouble "running" to the door.... 30 seconds is not long enough by a long shot!!!
I've seen delivery drivers throw or drop the parcel over the gate.... not even attempting to come to the door. It's disgusting!!! No respect for the person to be "delivered" to, or what's in the parcel.