What is a Parcel Locker?

Do you own a parcel delivery firm and have been receiving frequent reports of parcel theft from your customers? Are you wondering which lockable storage box is most suitable for parcel safekeeping? 

Don’t worry anymore because I’ll give you a detailed explanation about parcel lockers.

A parcel locker is a lockable storage box that is used for the safekeeping of packages to be delivered by a mail carrier or delivery company to a customer. These parcel lockers can be attached to cluster mailboxes to secure them firmly.

How Does a Parcel Locker Work?

Gone are the days when mail carriers have to frequently pay visits to a customer’s house to sign a package personally. 

The parcel locker stores packages so that pickup and deliveries are done swiftly at any time.

Unlike the traditional parcel locker that requires a key, electronic parcel lockers require keypads or Q.R. codes to be scanned for easy opening of the parcel. 

The delivery person must input or scan the unique code to open the parcel.

With the electronic parcel locker, the recipient will be alerted by text or via e-mail of any package delivery. 

Also, the code they need to unlock the parcel locker will be within the body of the mail or text, and this code will be used to access the parcel.

Why Should Your Business Use a Parcel Locker?

A parcel locker gives a whip hand to its users. Small or large-scale businesses will benefit similarly from using the parcel locker system. 

The benefits it offers are limitless. Some of these benefits include the following;

  • Security: 

Whether a parcel locker has a traditional or electronic locking system reduces the possibility of parcel theft or accidental delivery of a package to the wrong person.

  • Cost-Efficient: 

The parcel-locker system is highly centralized to prevent fragmented parcel deliveries. This further minimizes delivery costs for the courier service provider. 

Moreso, its secured system makes it almost impossible to lose packages. This helps bring the liabilities of the courier to their barest minimum.

  • 24/7 Service Delivery: 

Mail carriers and couriers have added a one-stop delivery and pickup option to their services. 

This re-arrangement of delivery schedules and multiple deliveries is out of the window.

Where are Parcel Lockers located?

As international shipping companies have established their parcel locker network, parcel lockers are no longer restricted to mailrooms. 

In some school libraries, parcel lockers are now utilized for the safekeeping of books.

Supermarkets and shopping centers have also joined the list of locations where parcel lockers are used to give customers a better customer experience. 

As such, in these frequently used commercial spaces, parcel lockers are used.

How Long Does a Package Stay in a Parcel Locker?

Typically, packages can stay in parcel lockers for ten days to years. The duration of stay is often determined by the company offering the shipping services. 

The shipping companies set their parcel stay guidelines to align with the duration for the delivery of the parcel.

How to Open a Parcel Locker

A numbered key with instructions is sent to your mailbox when a package is delivered. Use the key to open your parcel locker with the numbers.

Once you pick up your parcel, lock the compartment and leave the key in the mail slot. It is not difficult to open a parcel locker.

What can’t be delivered to Parcel Lockers?

Small items that can fit into individual boxes cannot be delivered to parcel lockers. 

This is because parcel lockers are designed for items too large to fit into small spaces in cluster boxes. As such, small items do not need parcel lockers for their delivery. 

In addition, parcels that require payment on delivery or registered mail that need signatures cannot be delivered to parcel lockers.

How to Send a Parcel to a Parcel Locker

Sending your parcel to a parcel locker is not a very difficult task. 

In modern times, many retail service providers give customers the option to select a parcel locker as a delivery option. This option can be selected at the checkout point. 

After checking out, you have the opportunity to collect your parcel at any time within the next three days. Also, you will receive a unique code to unlock your parcel locker at the point of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a parcel locker similar to a P.O. Box?

Although both share similar characteristics, a parcel locker is not a P.O. Box. While private individuals can own parcel lockers, the P.O. Box is owned by the United States Postal services.

The P.O. Box holds letters, magazines, and other small pieces of items. On the other hand, the parcel locker is designed to store larger items. 

Both items have top-notch secure locks with single-access keys, which provides maximum security for the letters and parcels.

How much do Parcel Lockers Cost?

Parcel lockers do not cost a dime from major parcel delivery companies. It is a pre-added service for items too big to fit into single compartments.

Hence, parcel lockers do not cost a penny to safeguard a parcel.

What is an automated parcel locker?

This storage container can be used to receive and ship packages at any time of the day. Users can access their parcels by themselves through unique codes, which are used to open the combination of the automated parcel locker.

Can I mail a package via a parcel locker?

Yes, you can mail a package via a parcel locker. This is possible if the package has prepaid stamping and a barcode. 

Conclusion

Parcels are very important items. Parcel delivery is a very sensitive job that requires maximum security. An insecure parcel can get lost or damaged, resulting in debt for the parcel delivery company. The sender and recipient of the parcel will also be affected. 

To avoid such situations, a parcel locker comes to the rescue. This piece of security gadget has become a frequently used item in courier service. It is easy to open and a secure option for your parcel. 

So, the next time you want to make multiple purchases on Amazon, select the parcel locker option at the checkout point.

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