Photos are a critical part of the delivery process. They protect drivers and transport operators by providing clear evidence of condition, location, and documentation at the time of pickup and delivery.
Because of the high volume of photos taken each day, images are automatically compressed to manage storage and system performance. This means photo quality at capture is important — unclear photos cannot be fixed later.
General Principles (Apply to All Photos)
To ensure photos remain usable after compression:
- Hold the phone steady and allow the camera to focus before taking the photo
- Good lighting is essential
- Avoid shadows, glare, or full sun directly behind the subject
- Use the truck interior light or step back if needed
- Stand back far enough to capture the full item, but close enough to show detail
- Do not use zoom
- Zoom reduces image quality significantly after compression
- Take photos in landscape unless the document or item clearly suits portrait
- Review the photo
- If it’s blurry, dark, or cropped — retake it immediately
If a photo wouldn’t convince you in a dispute, assume it won’t convince a customer or insurer either.
Photos at Pickup (Goods on the Truck)
These photos confirm condition and quantity at collection.
Best practice:
- Take photos after goods are loaded, while still clearly visible
- Capture:
- Overall load arrangement
- Any visible damage
- Labels, barcodes, or markings (without zooming)
- Ensure:
- The goods fill most of the frame
- Edges and corners are visible
- Nothing important is cut off
If damage already exists:
- Take one wide photo to show context
- Take one closer photo to show the damage clearly (still without zoom)
Photos at Delivery (Goods Off the Truck)
These photos confirm condition and placement at point of delivery.
Best practice:
- Take photos after goods have been unloaded
- Capture:
- The goods in their delivered position
- Condition on arrival
- Surroundings if relevant (e.g. dock, foyer, driveway)
- Avoid:
- Photos taken too close where shape and size are unclear
- Obstructed views (hands, doors, straps in the frame)
If delivery conditions are unusual (tight access, weather, customer delay):
- Take an additional photo to show context
Photos of Documentation (PODs, Paperwork, Customer Forms)
Documentation photos are often the most affected by compression, so extra care is required.
Best practice:
- Lay documents on a flat, high‑contrast surface
- The document should fill the frame as much as possible, while still showing all four corners of the page
- This confirms completeness and prevents disputes about missing information
- Ensure:
- All text is readable
- No shadows across writing or signatures
- Take the photo straight on, not at an angle
- Do not fold, crease, or photograph documents while held in hand
If text is small or dense:
- Take two photos:
- One full‑page photo showing the entire document and all corners
- One closer photo of signatures or key details (do not use zoom — move closer)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Blurry or rushed photos
- Zooming in instead of moving closer
- Poor lighting or heavy shadows
- Cropping out parts of the goods or documents
- Taking photos while walking or moving
Why This Matters
Due to image compression:
- Blurred or poorly lit photos cannot be recovered
- Unclear photos may be rejected for:
- Damage claims
- Delivery disputes
- Customer complaints
Clear photos protect drivers and transport operators.