Australia Post's Authority to Leave (ATL) Delivery & Safe Drop Explained

Efficient parcel delivery relies on flexibility — and one of the most convenient options available in Australia is Authority to Leave (ATL). Whether you’re a business dispatching daily orders or a customer receiving online purchases, understanding how Australia Post ATL delivery works can help ensure parcels are handled securely and on time.

This guide explains the authority to leave meaning, when it should be used, how Australia Post manages ATL deliveries, and how this service integrates with MyPost Business and eParcel Contract accounts.

What Does ‘Authority to Leave’ Mean?

Authority to Leave (ATL) gives Australia Post permission to deliver a parcel without obtaining a signature. When ATL is selected, the delivery driver can leave the parcel in a safe drop location — such as under a verandah, behind a fence, or near a front door — if they determine the spot is secure and protected from weather or public view.

This feature eliminates unnecessary delivery delays, reduces missed deliveries, and offers recipients the convenience of receiving parcels without being present.

However, once a parcel has been left under ATL, responsibility transfers to the recipient. Loss, theft, or damage that occurs after delivery is not covered by Australia Post’s standard compensation.

When to Use ATL

Authority to Leave is best suited for deliveries where convenience outweighs the need for a signature. Consider enabling ATL when:

• The parcel contains low-value or non-sensitive items.

• The recipient has a secure, sheltered drop-off area such as a porch, verandah, or fenced property.

• You want to avoid delivery delays caused by missed drop-offs.

  
  

It is important to note that including delivery notes such as “Leave behind side gate” or “Place under front awning” — does not mean that this is definitely where the parcel will be left. Drivers don't always read these, but will leave a parcel in what they deem a safe place.

For high-value, fragile, or signature-required items, ATL should generally be avoided.

Where ATL / Safe Drop Is Supported

Australia Post’s Safe Drop service, its version of ATL, is available across both MyPost Business and eParcel Contract shipping solutions.

• MyPost Business users can enable ATL during label creation, allowing parcels to be left securely when no one is available to sign.

• eParcel Contract customers can configure delivery preferences, including “leave in a safe place,” to support streamlined delivery workflows for business accounts.

• According to Australia Post, ATL (also known as Safe Drop) authorises the driver to leave a parcel if a safe and appropriate location is found — even when the recipient isn’t home.

This capability reduces missed delivery cards and unnecessary Post Office collections while maintaining strict safety standards for delivery.

Cost of Using ATL

Selecting Authority to Leave or Safe Drop through Australia Post is free of charge. The service is designed to improve delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction without adding extra cost to your shipping. Both MyPost Business and eParcel users can activate ATL directly within their shipping settings or label preferences.

Does the SellerDash: AustPost Shipping app support ATL?

Yes, you can select this option in the app by default or for individual orders. For details, refer to the Domestic Settings help article.

Final Thoughts

Authority to Leave (ATL) is a powerful feature of Australia Post’s delivery network, offering convenience, flexibility, and efficiency for both senders and recipients.

For businesses using MyPost Business or eParcel Contract, enabling ATL can streamline parcel management while maintaining control over delivery safety.

Ultimately, ATL gives your customers greater freedom — and helps ensure parcels reach their destination quickly and securely.