Logistics faces new issues, particularly in urban agglomerations, due to the rapid rise in online retail sales and the global trend toward increasing urbanization. This is especially true regarding the “last mile,” the last leg of the delivery process, which is typically handled by courier, express, and parcel services. The need for creative solutions in this area is growing due to the high expenses associated with this step in the delivery process.
Additionally, there’s a critical need for optimization concerning customer satisfaction. This is currently not being met due to the high influx in purchase volumes and lack of logistic service provider capabilities. Shipping lockers, also known as parcel lockers, are one such creative option that has gained popularity in recent years and has shown to be useful. Autonomous retrieval results in shorter wait times and a reduced need for labor to deliver the packages, among other benefits. The longer time frame and option to pick up the packages depending on the location of the digital lockers are additional benefits.
What Are Parcel Lockers
Automated electronic locker systems called parcel lockers distribute packages quickly, securely, and in a contact-free manner. The shipping locker has altered conventional distribution and the responsibilities of target customers and terminal delivery staff during the delivery process. Thanks to digital parcel lockers, terminal delivery is now possible without human touch. Whether for delivery, reception, or return, it reduces any risk a package may encounter while traveling to the intended recipient.
Crack Your Parcel Distribution: Traditional VS Digital Delivery Experience
For accessing a package delivery locker and placing a delivery inside, USPS mail carriers may utilize a special master code or key; other delivery employees may obtain the key from the property manager. A USPS mail carrier will leave a numbered key inside the recipient’s designated mailbox for a standard parcel locker, or the recipient can get the key from the property manager. The recipient uses the locker key to open the locker door whenever it’s convenient for them to do so when they go to the parcel locker.
On the other hand, electronic shipping lockers might include a keyboard, a QR code reader, or a barcode scanner. Someone making a delivery must input a special code or scan the goods. A barcode is scanned when a box is delivered to the locker, and then the locker door opens automatically, the package is placed inside, and the door closes securely.
When a package is delivered using an electronic parcel locker, the recipient is notified by text, app, or email. They’re also sent the code necessary to unlock the locker and retrieve their package. The recipient just walks to the parcel locker at their convenience, opens it with the locker key, enters the one-time PIN, or scans the special barcode that was supplied to them via email or SMS.
Perks of Digital Parcel Lockers for All
All parties involved in the logistics of delivery gain from using parcel lockers. Customers find parcel lockers to be quick and convenient, and they efficiently preserve their privacy. Its 24-hour service effectively handles the issue of student and office worker pickup. The usage of parcel lockers by logistic service providers can greatly increase delivery efficiency and decrease delivery wait times and communication times.
Eliminating the need for door-to-door delivery in favor of bulk parcel drop-off lowers wasteful last-mile expenses and CO2 emissions. The shipping locker receiving mode, for instance, can lower the strain of receiving the parcel and save on the property’s management costs.
Additionally, almost all businesses that provide BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) benefit from lower shipping costs and shorter consumer wait times. Parcel management systems help guarantee that perishable goods stay fresh by delivering them on demand. Additionally, the parcel locker is quiet and orderly, which is useful for unified management.
Overall, package locker delivery has been crucial in increasing last-mile delivery diversity, raising customer satisfaction, cutting costs, and developing an effective contactless delivery system. As a result, it’s become crucial for last-mile delivery.
Growing Adoption of Parcel Lockers in the Retail Industry
Both customers and merchants now place a greater emphasis on BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store). The ability to provide customers the option of having a package delivered or returned utilizing Click-and-Collect through in-store digital lockers at their nearby branches makes BOPIS lockers particularly desirable to retail enterprises. Retailers can satisfy customer desires for convenience while doing away with expensive shipping costs and protracted delivery wait times by deploying order pickup lockers, shipping lockers, and parcel management systems.
Route optimization is an example of a cost-cutting strategy that’s now widely adopted by retailers and their shipping partners. Retailers worry that passing on last-mile costs to customers will unintentionally reduce demand. However, the one-stop delivery service at designated retail branches in a neighborhood provided by parcel lockers, instead of dropping off packages individually at each apartment complex in a neighborhood, enables retailers to save time and money for themselves and their consumers.
Additionally, over half of the millennial consumer base continues to use the buy online and pick up in-store purchasing means more than 40% of the time, making BOPIS lockers largely popular amongst retailers.
Visit our website to learn how you can provide clients with the best of both worlds in their omnichannel strategy through pick-up lockers.
