People often miss deliveries of their parcels in the modern, hectic era. Be it at work, travelling or not being at home, waiting around for a courier delivery is a big inconvenience. A parcel locker solves that problem.`
A parcel locker is a modern-day solution that will allow you to pick up packages at your convenience without worrying about the delivery time. Millions of shoppers now use it as a tool to make online shopping deliveries easier.
To understand why parcel lockers are becoming so popular, let’s first define what a parcel locker is and how it works.
What Is a Parcel Locker?
In simple terms, a parcel locker is a safe storage facility where the couriers place the parcel, and you can collect it whenever you want. The system eliminates missed delivery slips, unlike traditional home delivery.
Most lockers operate as self-service systems, letting you unlock them with a PIN code, barcode, or a mobile app. Providers install these services in public spaces like shopping malls and post offices, and you can also install them in residential areas and workplaces.
When making a purchase through the Internet, choose the self-service locker option, or explore other cost-effective shipping methods to save on local and international deliveries. Now that you know what a parcel locker is, let us examine how to use parcel lockers.
How Does a Parcel Locker Work?
The steps in using the locker are simple:
- When making a purchase through the Internet, choose the self-service locker option.
- When the locker receives your parcel, you will get an email or SMS with a unique code or QR code.
- Go to the point where the locker is located, enter or scan the code and get the parcel.
Some of the service providers even let users register for free parcel locker use. Using a parcel locker is one of the most efficient ways to pick up packages, but if you want more tips on sending parcels efficiently in 2025, check our complete guide.
Types of Parcel Lockers
Public Systems: Usually located at the post offices, supermarkets, train stations and shopping centres. They are perfect for everyone who desires flexibility in picking up the parcels without home delivery.
Parcel Locker for Home: You can install the system at your residence with the help of parcel service providers. The personal smart lockers offer convenience to regular online buyers who value unattended deliveries that are safe.
Parcel Locker for Business: Businesses use lockers to manage deliveries in offices, colleges and retail centres. Businesses often rely on smart lockers or other e-commerce shipping solutions to optimise operations and minimise disruptions.
Regardless of the type of locker you opt for, these smart lockers offer several advantages that make them a preferred method for getting deliveries.
Benefits of Using a Parcel Locker
- 24/7 Convenience: You are able to collect your package anytime, be it day or night.
- Enhanced Security: Lockers keep parcels in secure compartments, protecting them from theft, damage or adverse weather conditions.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The free parcel locker option is available with many parcel service providers.
- Better for Busy Lifestyles: No waiting for a courier, pick up your parcel at your convenience.
Parcel Locker Locations – Where Can You Find Them?
According to a recent European study, 59% of online shoppers would opt for delivery to a parcel locker if these options were closer to home. Service providers usually place smart lockers in high-traffic areas, giving you flexibility compared to traditional mail or courier services:
- Post offices
- Shopping malls
- Petrol stations
- Supermarkets
These are the places where the lockers are mostly installed. Through the app or the website of the provider, you can locate the lockers that are close.
Parcel Locker in Apartments & Offices
Developers now install self-service lockers in many of the new apartment complexes and office buildings to assist in last mile delivery. Property managers install these lockers at the property locations so that residents and employees never miss deliveries.
Smart lockers link to mobile applications, and these apps notify you as soon as a courier delivers a parcel. While lockers are convenient, they also come with size and weight limits that you should keep in mind.
Parcel Locker Size Limit – What You Need To Know
Each locker clearly specifies the particular size limit on the locker. Most of the lockers contain several compartments, small, medium, and large, making it easier to handle parcels of different sizes.
If your parcel is too large or heavy for the locker, you will need to collect it from the closest post office, as it will be redirected there. Knowledge of such size and weight limitations prevents such unexpected situations.
What Are the General Guidelines for Cluster Box and Parcel Locker Delivery?
Postal services usually have a policy on cluster box units and parcel lockers. Some of the general guidelines are:
- Parcels should not be larger than the maximum size of the locker.
- Delivery personnel use secure access to place the parcel inside the locker.
- The courier will ship products that need signatures to a staffed point.
- Couriers usually retain the parcels for 48 hours to a few days, and then return them to the sender.
The guidelines make sure that all people are able to use it fairly and that operations are smooth. If you are ready to try a parcel locker yourself, here’s how to get started
How To Get a Parcel Locker
It is easy to register for the smart locker. Follow the steps below:
- Register Online – Multiple locker services are available, and you can register for them through the official website of the service provider.
- Select a Location – Select a locker that is nearest to your home, workplace or on your route to work.
- Change Your Delivery Address – Use your locker address for delivery of online orders.
- Collect Your Parcel – When your parcel has arrived, you will get a notification and pickup code.
Parcel lockers are not the only option available, so let us compare them with another popular solution, which is parcel collect.
Parcel Collect vs Parcel Locker
While both options allow flexible parcel pickup, there are key differences:
| Parcel Collect | vs | Parcel Locker |
| Parcels are delivered to a participating Post Office for collection at the counter. | Working | Parcels are delivered to a secure locker, accessible via PIN/QR code. |
| Limited to Post Office business hours. | Accessibility | Usually 24/7 (depending on locker location). |
| Free service | Cost | Often free |
| Can handle larger or signature-required parcels. | Parcel Size | Restricted by parcel locker size limit; oversized parcels are redirected. |
If you value flexibility, a parcel locker may be the better choice. For larger parcels or signature-required items, you can use parcel collect.
Future Implications
Smart lockers are not only in higher demand due to the increase in online shopping, but also because of the increasing need for contactless delivery. The following trends can be expected in the future:
- Companies will be installing a larger number of self-service lockers in urban and suburban areas.
- More people are adopting the parcel locker for home systems due to the rise of smart homes.
- Growth of parcel lockers for business solutions in workplaces as a strategic part of operations.
- Green lockers include models that use solar energy or integrate with eco-friendly delivery systems.
The market size of smart lockers is expected to rise from USD 1,012 million in 2024 to USD 2,552 million by 2032 with a CAGR of approximately 12.3%. As smart lockers become more popular, logistics partners like DTDC Australia continue to excel in domestic and international delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find my USPS parcel locker?
In case you live in an apartment or community with USPS cluster mailboxes, the USPS tends to place its lockers in the same location as the standard mailboxes. Some communities name the lockers using numbers to identify them easily.
How does parcel locker work?
This Locker is a secure and self-service storage facility, where courier services can leave your packages. When a delivery is completed, you are notified via email or SMS with details on opening the locker.
Simply use the given code, scan a barcode or a key to unlock the parcel. This way, you will be able to pick up your things at a convenient time.
How do I pick up my package from a parcel locker?
To collect the package from a self-service locker, do the following:
- You can find your code, barcode, or locker key in your notification (SMS, email, or a slip in the mailbox).
- Visit the locker location.
- One can either enter the code on the digital screen or use the key in the assigned locker.
- You can access your parcel once the locker door opens.
What does it mean when your package is in a parcel locker?
If you get the notice that your package is in a smart locker, it means that the package did not fit in your ordinary mail box or needed additional security. The delivery service places the packages in a locker close to you.
How to open a parcel locker without a key?
In general, these lockers do not require physical keys. Rather, they offer digital access through PIN code, QR code or barcode. However, if you have a USPS or older locker and you misplace the key, you will require assistance.
How long can a parcel stay in a parcel locker in Australia?
The couriers generally retain the parcel for 48 hours to a few days, depending on the locality. The parcel will be transferred to the closest post office ff you fail to pick up your parcel within the time limit. Pay attention to the notifications to know the real pickup time.
Which is better, a Parcel Locker or a PO Box?
It depends on your needs:
Parcel Locker: It is usually free and available 24/7. It is only limited by the locker size constraint and only allows parcels.
PO Box: With a paid subscription, you can receive both mail and parcels, but you can only access them during the post office’s working hours.
A free locker is more convenient if your purpose is to receive online orders. A PO Box is more suitable for receiving all sorts of mail, such as letters, bills, and packages.
What can’t be delivered to parcel lockers?
A self-service locker cannot fit all the items. Common limitations tend to be:
- Packages that are larger than the parcel locker size limit.
- Goods that have to be signed after delivery.
- Regulations restrict dangerous items, such as flammable materials and alcohol (in some areas).
- Courier services that do not accept delivery to lockers.
When your product does not fit the requirements of the lockers, the courier generally transfers it to your local post office or a staffed collection point.
Conclusion
A parcel locker is not just a storage box, but a convenient, secure and flexible system designed to adapt to modern delivery requirements. Whether it is a locker for business or a public locker, you receive 24/7 access to your deliveries without missing any parcels.
With parcel locker locations continuously increasing, smart free locker options, and evolving technology, self-service lockers are here to stay. And if you have never tried one, it is the perfect time to use one and experience the convenience for yourself.
