No one's home and something that must be signed for spoils at the post office. Still, most of these problems can be solved by thinking ahead. Ask what kind of cold source will be used with perishable food and how long the package will be in transit. The cold source must last long enough so that food arrives still frozen or firm and cold. Check that the package will be labeled as perishable food on the outside.
Perishables have a much better chance of surviving if properly labeled.
Arrange a workable delivery date. Once you know how long the mailing takes, call your friends to find a date someone can be home to receive the gift. Then call the mail-order house and confirm a delivery. When You Receive A Gift Fresh or cooked meat, poultry or fish should arrive frozen or still hard in the middle. With the exception of dry-cured country hams, baked hams and most canned hams need refrigeration and should arrive cold.