There are several sortation centers across the country. Each has its own unique exterior and interior layout along with differences in pickup process. Below is helpful information for the Chicago Sortation Centers in Merrimac and Elmhurst.

Order Claiming Process

As a driver with Shipt in Chicago, you'll automatically see offers for routes from both the Merrimac and Elmhurst locations. On the Available Routes screen, you can view routes from both locations together or you can use the drop-down feature to show only Elmhurst or Merrimac routes depending on where you would like to deliver. 

The route offer card provides helpful information to decide what route works best for you and your schedule. The location details will confirm which sortation center the route is to be picked up at and your 15-minute arrival window. Below are some examples of what you will see in the app when claiming routes in Chicago. 

Sortation Center Site Maps 

Chicago Elmhurst Sortation Center

Chicago Merrimac Sortation Center

Parking 

Due to safety concerns and complaints from local residents, the city prohibits drivers from parking on residential streets or at businesses near the sortation center. Local property managers may report drivers for loitering and/or trespassing. 

If you arrive at the sortation center before the arrival window or need to address an issue after pickup, please use the auxiliary parking lot located on S. Merrimac Ave just past the driver entrance on the right.

Pickup Instructions

All drivers with Shipt can refer to the Pickup Process article for general information on the process and app flow. To review the Target Sortation Center House Rules before entering the facility, click here. These instructions are also available on the Route Details page in the app. 

• After scanning the gate code/QR code to enter the facility*, follow the arrows to the parking lanes. To see which lane you’ll park in, check the parking details on the Route Details page of the app. 
  • *Elmhurst sortation center only: Drivers are required to show a valid physical driver's license at the guard booth before attempting to scan the QR code to enter the queue lot. The photo and first and last name on the driver's license must exactly match the name displayed in your driver app. For example, if your driver’s license includes a hyphenated last name, and the last name in your Shipt app does not, you would not be able to enter the sortation center. Any passengers in your vehicle must also provide a valid driver's license and proof that they have an active Shipt account. If the first and/or last name in your app is different from what appears on your driver’s license, contact Driver Support for assistance.
• Put your vehicle in park, remain in your vehicle, and wait for the stoplight at the front of your parking lane to turn green. 
• Proceed carefully into the sortation center and park in the first available space. 
• Once parked, turn off your engine and scan the QR code. 
• Wait in your vehicle until the TV screen indicates that you can exit.
• A Target team member will bring you a cart with your packages. 
  • If you’d like to purchase a safety vest, visit the Shipt Shop.
• Once loading is complete, return the cart and you may depart the building. 

If you need assistance while at the sortation center, you may ask to speak with the onsite Shipt representative. 

FAQ

How do I get to the Sortation Center?

• Chicago - Merrimac Sortation Center
  • Address - 5064 S. Merrimac Ave. Chicago, IL 60638
• Chicago - Elmhurst Sortation Center
  • Address - 615 W. Lake St. Elmhurst, IL 60126

The addresses are also located on the Route Details page of the Driver app. Once you arrive at the facility's address, look for signs directing you to the delivery driver entrance. 

How many miles will I be required to drive for delivery? 

• All deliveries will be within a 34-mile radius of the sortation center. 
• Daily dispatch hours*
  • Chicago - Elmhurst Sortation Center: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
  • Chicago - Merrimac Sortation Center: 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    *Note: Dispatch hours are subject to change due to inclement weather, route volume, or operational disruptions.

How can I practice safety in the sortation center?

• Driver safety is of the utmost importance to Shipt. To review the Target Sortation Center guidelines, click here. 

I’ve claimed a route. How do I pick up packages from the sortation center?

• All information about the pickup process from entering the facility to parking to loading your vehicle can be found here. 

I’m a new driver. Are there any resources I can utilize before claiming a route? 

• Yes! You can review all of our new driver resources here. 

Why is there no longer a pay range listed on the route offer card?

• In order to help you better evaluate a route before claiming it, you’ll now see an estimated single pay value, rather than a range, on the offer card. If any packages are added to the route prior to pickup, the pay will be adjusted accordingly. The estimated pay may decrease if you refuse packages at pickup or due to operational errors at the sortation center.

What should I do if one of the packages is damaged at pickup?

• If there are any issues with packages during pickup, such as damage to a package, you can push the red call button on the yellow alert light located behind your parking spot. This will notify a sortation center pickup associate you need assistance. Each individual parking spot has a corresponding alert light that will be labeled with the same number as the parking spot.

What if it takes me longer than 30 minutes to load my vehicle? 
(Elmhurst location only)

• If you need more than 30 minutes, a Target team member will assign you a new parking space and ask you to leave the sortation center and re-enter with the next group of drivers to continue loading. Any packages not scanned in time will be placed back on the cart and moved to your new parking space.
• If you have a route for the following pickup window, there is no need to scan your parking QR code outside. A team member will have a scanner inside at your new designated parking space, and the packages for the following route will be brought to this space as well. 

I have an undeliverable package. How can I return it to the sortation center?

• If you are unable to deliver a package, follow the steps in the app to notate that a return is needed. Keep the package you need to return secure in your vehicle until all deliveries are complete and then after your last delivery, return to the Sortation Center to complete the return following the steps below:
  • Follow on-site signage to the Target Team Member parking lot. 
  • Use the intercom buzzer to gain access to the gated lot.
  • Park in a “Reserved for Returns” parking space. 
  • Enter the main lobby to complete the returns process. 
  • Once the package has been returned, complete the Swipe to complete route action in the app.

For more information on the returns process in the app, click here.