First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR) measures how many orders are delivered successfully on the first attempt out of all delivery attempts in a given period. It is calculated as first‑attempt successful deliveries divided by total delivery attempts, multiplied by 100. A higher FADR means fewer failed drops, lower re‑delivery costs, and a smoother experience for customers who receive their parcels when expected without needing multiple visits.
What is First Attempt Delivery Rate?
First Attempt Delivery Rate is a core last‑mile KPI that shows how often your drivers complete a delivery successfully on the first visit to the address. A “successful” first attempt usually means the parcel reaches the right recipient or an agreed safe place, within any required time window, without needing another trip. By contrast, a failed first attempt might happen because no one is home, the address is wrong, access is blocked, or a signature is unavailable.
In formula terms, FADR is typically expressed as:First Attempt Delivery Rate (%) = (Number of deliveries completed on the first attempt ÷ Total delivery attempts) × 100.
Why First Attempt Delivery Rate matters
FADR directly impacts both cost and customer experience. Every failed first attempt triggers additional costs: a second route stop, extra driver time, extra miles, extra handling in the depot, and often more contacts to customer support. Studies cited by SmartRoutes show average costs per failed delivery in the mid‑teens in dollars or pounds, which compound quickly at scale. Even a modest failure rate can add tens or hundreds of thousands in extra annual expense for high‑volume delivery operations.
How SmartRoutes helps improve First Attempt Delivery Rate
SmartRoutes addresses FADR by improving three main levers: data quality, routing, and customer communication. First, validating address data before orders reach the route planning stage to reduce failures caused by incorrect or incomplete addresses, which account for a large share of missed deliveries. Better address capture and validation make it easier for drivers to find each stop and avoid wasted attempts.
Second, SmartRoutes uses optimized routes and accurate ETAs so drivers arrive when customers are more likely to be available. Route optimization groups stops by geography and time window, cutting travel time and helping teams run more reliably on schedule, which lifts both first‑attempt and on‑time delivery rates.
Third, SmartRoutes’ notification flows are designed specifically to prevent failed first attempts. Their out‑for‑delivery guidance recommends a three‑step sequence: a dispatch alert with a tracking link when the order is loaded, an ETA alert when the driver is around a set time (for example, 30 minutes) away, and a completion message with proof of delivery when the stop is finished. By giving customers clear visibility of when to expect the driver, these alerts reduce “no one home” failures and make it easier to achieve a higher First Attempt Delivery Rate without adding more vehicles or drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR)
1. What is First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR)?
First Attempt Delivery Rate (FADR) is the percentage of deliveries successfully completed on the first attempt, without needing an additional visit or re-delivery. It tells you how often customers receive their orders the first time drivers call to the address.
2. How do you calculate First Attempt Delivery Rate?
To calculate FADR, divide the number of deliveries completed on the first attempt by the total number of delivery attempts in a period, then multiply by 100. For example, if 460 of 500 attempts are successful on the first try, your FADR is 92%.
3. What is considered a good First Attempt Delivery Rate?
Most last-mile and parcel delivery businesses aim for a First Attempt Delivery Rate above 90%. Rates of 95% or higher are generally seen as excellent, because they indicate very few deliveries require a second attempt.
4. Why is First Attempt Delivery Rate so important?
FADR matters because every failed first attempt adds cost and friction. Redeliveries mean extra driver time, extra miles, and more handling, while customers face delays and may lose confidence in your service if deliveries fail repeatedly.
5. How can SmartRoutes help increase First Attempt Delivery Rate?
SmartRoutes improves FADR by validating addresses before planning, optimizing routes and ETAs so drivers arrive when customers are likely to be available, and automating delivery notifications with live tracking links. These steps reduce “no one home” failures and cut the need for costly re-deliveries.
Related terms
On‑Time Delivery (OTD), Delivery Attempt, Failed Delivery, Delivery Time Window, ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), Cost per Failed Delivery