As the demand for secure and efficient package delivery solutions grows, the U.S. is witnessing a surge in the proliferation of delivery lockers. This trend is driven by the need to combat porch piracy, reduce failed delivery attempts, and provide a greener solution to package delivery.
The Need for More Lockers
The smart parcel locker market is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for efficient and secure package delivery solutions. According to the Infinity Business Insights’ Global Smart Parcel Locker Market Research Report, package lockers are a greener solution, reducing miles driven by delivery vans to individual homes. Major players like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx Corp. have already established a significant presence in the market, with an estimated 85,000 to 90,000 package lockers across the U.S.
The European Model and the Future of Package Delivery
Despite the existing locker services, the sheer volume of packages being delivered to U.S. consumers suggests a need for more lockers. The average American household received 162 packages in 2022, which is 55% higher than the global average. This discrepancy was a key discussion point at the Home Delivery World 2024 Conference in Philadelphia, sponsored by Danish parcel locker operator SwipBox.
The Role of Municipalities
European postal services, particularly in Germany and Denmark, have favored delivery lockers to the point of closing post offices. Many European cities are also implementing regulations to control the increase in parcel deliveries. SwipBox, which has installed its 40,000th locker, is currently in discussions with various stakeholders in the U.S. and Canada regarding the installation of its electricity and Wi-Fi independent lockers.
In April 2024, New York City launched LockerNYC, a free pilot program that utilizes lockers installed on public sidewalks to allow New Yorkers to receive secure package deliveries. The program aims to combat the alarming statistic that each day, 90,000 packages are reported stolen or lost in transit in New York City. The push towards greater utilization of package lockers seems to be driven by municipalities rather than private companies, with cost being a key driving factor.
