What Is a Parcel Locker?

As commercial mailboxes and cluster box units (CBUs) have become more common, you've likely noticed parcel lockers popping up at your local mail station. Property managers, residential community developers, business owners, and even grocery chains and retail stores have begun installing secure package lockers to make delivery faster and more efficient.

View the video below to learn more about Parcel Lockers:

While parcel lockers may have been less common a decade ago, the United States Postal Service has recently begun requiring cluster mailboxes at all new residential developments. With that in mind, parcel lockers have become a necessary addition to community mail distribution centers as the USPS – and other private organizations attempt to streamline delivery and cut costs.

That said, many residents, property managers, and business owners may still wonder, "What is a parcel locker?" At its most basic level, a parcel locker is just that: a secure, lockable storage box where a mail carrier or employee can leave packages for residents or shoppers to collect at a later time.

Some cluster mailboxes come with parcel lockers already installed, while other parcel lockers may fit alongside or under mailboxes for easy access. Small businesses or multi-family homes may require one or two parcel lockers, while a busy apartment complex may have several large compartments with multiple parcel lockers in each unit.

Grocery stores or retailers may even have an entire wall of branded parcel lockers where customers can pick up their orders.

Regardless of the size or layout of the parcel lockers, both USPS mail carriers and delivery drivers from other shipping companies can efficiently distribute packages without the need for home deliveries or multiple delivery attempts.

To be clear:USPS-approved parcel lockers for residential mail delivery are part of the same family of cluster mailboxes found here.

Other types of parcel lockers, such as electronic units, may or may not be serviced by the USPS.

What Is an Electric Parcel Locker?

More and more consumers have turned to online shopping for everything from home furniture and decor to clothing and groceries. To keep up with demand and customer preference, both the USPS and privately-owned shippers have turned to electric, or automated, parcel lockers.

An electronic parcel locker provides a safe, convenient, contactless option for package delivery and collection for residents in apartment complexes, customers at retail stores, industrial complexes, and more. Depending on the parcel locker service in use, developers and property managers can customize the lockers to suit the style and aesthetic of the neighborhood.

Electronic parcel lockers work well indoors or outdoors, and they even come in various types, including temperature-controlled and scan-and-go.

The key takeaway

Residents may find parcel lockers under an attractive awning alongside their cluster mailboxes, while employees or clients may enjoy easy access to a parcel locker in office reception areas.

No matter where you choose to install them, the lockers keep packages, perishable items, and gifts cool in even the most extreme temperatures. The added flexibility and convenience allow customers to collect their items later instead of rushing to unpack a box left on their porch.

Additionally, the enhanced security means that even the most precious packages will remain safe until their intended recipients can collect them.

How Do Parcel Lockers Work?

Both traditional and electronic parcel lockers work similarly, though they display some key user differences. Regardless of the type of locker in question, the process follows three basic steps:

1. Delivery

A USPS employee or other package delivery person will unlock the compartment using a unique master code or key the property manager has given to them. Next, they will place the package in the parcel locker unit. The delivery mail carrier will then select a recipient.

2. Notification

An electronic parcel locker service will send the recipient an automatic notification by email, text, or app. The notice will contain a code that only they may use to open the parcel locker and retrieve their package.

On the other hand, if a USPS mail carrier delivers to a traditional parcel locker, they will leave a numbered key in the recipient's assigned mailbox. The number will match the locker holding the parcel, allowing the recipient to locate their package.

3. Collection

After receiving the access code or collecting the key from their unit, the recipient will search for the parcel locker. If the parcel locker is electronic and allows mobile access, they can enter the PIN or scan a barcode on their phone to open the locker. Otherwise, they will use a key to unlock the unit and retrieve their package.

Note: all parcel lockers sold by Budget Mailboxes are traditional USPS-approved units, where the postal carrier leaves a parcel locker key in the tenant's mailbox compartment. See the video below for more information:

Why You Should Use a Parcel Locker

While the efficiency and ease of access make parcel lockers an appealing choice for workers at the post office or a local shipping company, many people may feel unsure about the transition from doorstep delivery. However, a locker provides several critical advantages to homeowners, shoppers, employees, and business owners, including:

Security

Residents in multi-family housing, apartment complexes, and new neighborhoods likely already enjoy a regularly patrolled community. Unfortunately, though, mail theft has become a common problem, even in busy areas.

Parcel lockers virtually eliminate the risk of mail theft due to their enhanced security measures and sturdy locks. The compartment will automatically lock after delivery. You will then receive a unique code, access card, or key to unlock your compartment. Your neighbors won't have the opportunity to accidentally pick up your packages either, cutting down on the hassle of tracking down something personal or pricey.

Safety

When in busy, well-lit areas, parcel lockers provide ample safety for recipients collecting their packages. Additionally, many parcel locker locations implement video surveillance technology. Property managers, customer service professionals, or even security can view video surveillance to ensure that clients can access the compartments safely at any time of the day or night.

While a P.O. box at your local post office provides similar safety measures, the size capacity of individual parcel lockers offers a clear advantage, especially if you receive regular packages.

Time and Certainty

Parcel lockers save countless hours for both postal workers, property managers, and recipients. The centralized delivery option allows shippers and postal workers to distribute parcels in just one stop, while the flexible service will enable recipients to access deliveries 24/7.

Additionally, recipients can confidently know that their package will be waiting for them.

Cost

Finally, installing a parcel locker on your property or in your business will cut down on costs for both post offices and your business staff. Your property management staff or reception team likely spends hours sorting and managing deliveries, taking their time away from critical tasks.

Further, if a building tenant's package gets damaged, your team will likely take the blame. However, if a package waits safely in a parcel locker, you and your staff will reduce your liability while saving time and money.

The USPS has also identified parcel lockers and CBUs to cut delivery costs, resulting in a mandate to install centralized delivery options in developments and apartment complexes across the country.

What to Look for in Parcel Delivery Lockers

Choosing parcel delivery lockers for your business, community, or property can feel challenging. With traditional and electronic lockers available, plus self-managed installations or full-service parcel locker services, you may feel overwhelmed with all the options. If you're a recipient searching for a reliable parcel locker, you may find yourself torn between multiple options as well. Luckily, you can narrow down your search and focus on four key areas:

Reputable Companies

Selecting a reputable parcel locker service can transform a nightmarish delivery into a convenient collection. Not all companies are equal, though – nor do they place the same emphasis on customer care, security measures, or accurate delivery.

Perform a quick search to compare the reputations of the parcel locker services in your area. Typically, if major shipping organizations like Amazon or UPS trust one of the options, you can count on reliable service.

Security Solutions

As mail theft rates continue to rise, mailbox locks have become a necessary addition to the delivery process. Without a sturdy lock, your packages could disappear into the hands of a "package pirate."

As an answer to the mail theft pandemic, all compartments automatically lock when closed. After the door shuts, only the recipient and the mail carrier may access the compartment.

Accessibility

The last thing to consider when choosing a service is accessibility. Can you access your packages at any time of the day or night or on a set schedule? Further, can you ensure that you're the only person with access to the mailbox?

Other FAQs

How long does a package stay in a parcel locker?

Typically, packages can remain in lockers for a week to ten days. Many shipping services set their guidelines for stays, varying from a few days to years. That said, you should attempt to collect your packages as soon as possible, though many people try to consolidate trips and make one or two pick-ups each month.

Suppose you have recently moved far away from the service or are traveling. In that case, you may consider forwarding your packages, relocating your locker, or alerting the service managers that all of your packages will be staying in storage for a while.

If a package has stayed in the compartment for weeks on end, postal carriers would typically return the package to the distribution center and leave a notice for pick-up in the owner's box. Others would possibly attempt home delivery, if necessary. However, not all postal carriers or parcel services will leave notices or remove the package.

Regardless, it would be best if you planned to retrieve your mail at your earliest convenience to ensure that your items arrive home safely.

Is a parcel locker a P.O. box?

While parcel lockers and P.O. boxes share a few similarities, a parcel locker is not a P.O. box. One key differentiating factor sets them apart: parcel lockers may be privately owned, while the United States Postal Service owns a post office mailbox.

P.O. boxes usually hold letters, magazines, and other small deliveries, while lockers can hold multiple packages. Both types of boxes have a sturdy lock with a single access key for enhanced security.

For more information about the variety of parcel lockers available to purchase for your residential community or place of business, please call our expert team at Budget Mailboxes at 866-707-0008.