Parcel Lockers, an Answer to the Pressure on the Last Mile Delivery?

Abstract

Over the last decade, e-commerce has spurred the growth in parcel lockers. This relatively new phenomenon has the potential to significantly impact different aspects of the traditional postal delivery model. First of all, preliminary research shows that consumers approach parcel lockers positively, although it is yet only used by a rather small part of end users. Secondly, parcel locker delivery is estimated to be more cost efficient than traditional home delivery. Thirdly, parcel lockers are expected to have a positive impact on ecological sustainability. This paper gives an overview of the parcel locker landscape of several countries with differing postal market characteristics. The paper continues with an analysis of the sustainability and cost efficiency of parcel lockers. Finally, some potential regulatory challenges are outlined.