UPS has launched a trial run of delivery lockers that let customers pick up packages whenever they want. These UPS trial lockers are restricted to members of its My Choice preferred customer program, according to a report by Wired.
Customers can route their packages to these lockers, rather than having someone deliver it to their door when they may not be home to accept it. In order to retrieve a package, customers scan a government-issued ID or an in-app barcode at the locker. They may also enter a PIN at a touchscreen terminal.
In addition to the locker program, UPS is launching a program that allows people to pick up packages at local businesses such as grocery stores.
The program is not only beneficial to customers, but to UPS as well. Allowing customers to pick up packages at their own convenience means that delivery trucks will have more space for new packages, and the packages will not take up space at UPS pickup stations.
This news comes in the wake of Amazon’s recent involvement in the delivery process—with package sorting based on zip code to create a more efficient delivery, as reported by Forbes.
For now, the UPS locker system is only available in the Chicago metropolitan area.
