Authority to Leave (ATL): Rules & Best Practices in Australia

What Is Authority to Leave (ATL)?

Authority to Leave (ATL) is a delivery instruction that allows a carrier to leave freight at an address without obtaining a signature, provided the driver considers the location safe and compliant with carrier policy.

ATL is commonly used for residential and B2C deliveries across Australia, particularly for cartons and low-value items.

Importantly, ATL does not guarantee unattended delivery. Drivers may override ATL if conditions are unsafe or if carrier policy restricts unattended drop-off for the freight type.

Why Businesses Use ATL

ATL is used to improve delivery success when receivers are not available at the time of delivery.

When applied correctly, ATL reduces redelivery attempts, depot holds and failed delivery costs.

• Reduces failed delivery attempts
• Avoids redelivery and futile delivery fees
• Improves customer experience for residential freight
• Supports higher DIFOT performance
• Provides flexibility for receivers who cannot be home

When ATL Is Typically Allowed

Most Australian carriers allow ATL for certain freight types and delivery locations, subject to safety and policy checks.

Final authority always rests with the driver and carrier.

• Low to medium-value cartons and parcels
• Residential addresses with a safe, concealed drop-off location
• Non-perishable and non-regulated goods
• Some low-risk commercial deliveries
• Deliveries where the receiver has explicitly requested ATL

When ATL Is Not Recommended or Not Allowed

There are many scenarios where ATL significantly increases risk or is prohibited by carrier policy.

In these cases, unattended delivery should be avoided.

• High-value goods such as electronics or tools
• Dangerous Goods or regulated freight
• Perishable or temperature-sensitive items
• Bulky or palletised freight
• Apartments or shared-access buildings
• Construction and unmanned sites
• Locations with known theft or exposure risk

ATL for Residential Deliveries

Residential ATL is the most common use case in Australia.

It is widely used for e-commerce cartons, homewares and small appliances.

• Best suited to low-value cartons
• Drivers look for concealed or low-visibility locations
• Common ATL zones include side gates and garages
• ATL may be declined if the area is exposed or unsafe
• Signature-required services usually override ATL

ATL for Businesses and Commercial Addresses

ATL is less common for commercial deliveries due to stock control and audit requirements.

When used, clear instructions are essential.

• Suitable for low-value consumables
• Often used for repeat deliveries to trusted locations
• Less suitable for shared or multi-tenant sites
• May conflict with internal receiving procedures
• Some businesses require signed PODs for compliance

Risks of Using ATL

ATL improves delivery success but increases post-delivery risk.

Once freight is left unattended, exposure to loss or damage rises.

• Increased theft or tampering risk
• Weather exposure such as rain or heat
• Disputes over where freight was left
• Limited recovery options after confirmed ATL delivery
• Higher claim complexity

How ATL Affects Liability and Claims

Carrier liability treatment for ATL varies by service and provider.

In many cases, once freight is left according to ATL instructions in a safe location, the carrier considers the delivery complete.

Businesses should review carrier terms and their own insurance arrangements to understand risk allocation.

Best Practices for Using ATL

ATL is most effective when applied selectively and documented clearly.

Clear rules reduce disputes and delivery failures.

• Use ATL only for suitable freight types
• Capture written consent where possible
• Specify a precise safe location
• Avoid ATL for high-value or regulated items
• Review ATL performance and disputes regularly

How to Write Clear ATL Instructions

Specific instructions help drivers make safe decisions.

Vague notes increase risk and confusion.

• “Authority to leave behind side gate, out of street view”
• “Leave at rear dock next to roller door 2 – no signature required”
• Avoid instructions like “leave anywhere”
• Include access constraints such as locked gates or animals

When Drivers Can Override ATL

Drivers may override ATL instructions to protect safety and comply with policy.

• Unsafe or exposed drop-off location
• Incorrect or incomplete address
• Restricted freight types
• Visible theft or tampering risk
• Unsafe access or unloading conditions

ATL, Tail-Lift and Bulky Freight

ATL is rarely suitable for bulky or palletised freight.

Many carriers prohibit unattended pallet delivery due to safety risk.

• Pallets usually require a receiver present
• Tail-lift unloading requires flat, stable ground
• High-value or bulky items are often excluded from ATL
• Construction and unmanned sites carry elevated risk