24-Hour Parcel Service?

Jan 16 2009
OIG Blog Category: Ideas Worth Exploring 15 Comments

A recent presentation by Deutsche Post describes the German delivery and logistics company’s efforts to transform its retail network. One particularly interesting innovation is self-service Packstations. Like the U.S. Postal Service’s APCs (Automated Postal Centers), these kiosks allow customers to ship packages. However, Packstations also provide 24-hour access for parcel pickup. Customers can register to receive their packages at any packstation in the country. When the package arrives, the recipient receives an e-mail or text message. Rather than rushing to the post office before it closes, customers can use their card and pin number to retrieve it at any time. This convenience is particularly helpful for people who have no way to get to a post office when it is open.

[poll id="7"]

Deutsche Post already has 1,500 Packstations in Germany and is planning to add 1,000 more. What do you think about Packstations? Would you use one?

Should the U.S. Postal Service look into providing 24-hour parcel pickup? If so, how? What about combining APCs with parcel pickup?

Comments (15)

  • anon

    I am so embarrassed and0 upset....i mailed an expensive gift to a VIP IN ENGLAND, THE PKG IS BEING HELD FOR DITY CHARGES ...I MUST FIND A EAY TO PAY FOR DITY CHARGES FOR MY GIFT....WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED WHEN I MAILED THE PACKAGE?

    Oct 02, 2017
  • anon

    Would created to much cut backs ~

    Jun 10, 2011
  • anon

    Estonian Post is nearing the final stage of the introduction of automated parcel terminals after it announced this week that invitations for bids has been sent to three suppliers. The new machines are expected to appear in Estonia, followed by Latvia and Lithuania.

    Oct 28, 2010
  • anon

    Packstation is a service run by DHL Parcel Germany, a business unit of Deutsche Post's Mail division, in Germany. It provides automated booths for self-service collection of parcels and oversize letters as well as self-service dispatch of parcels 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Packstation started as a pilot project in 2001 and was quickly expanded. By 2007 there were already 900 Packstation automats in Germany. Only ordinary parcels and letters delivered by Deutsche Post can be delivered to Packstation automats. Further, Deutsche Post allows its subsidiary DHL Express Germany to insert a limited number of express parcels.

    Oct 20, 2010
  • anon

    I would absolutely use this, and would be more likely to choose USPS as the shipper if this were an option.

    May 19, 2010
  • anon

    I would love to see the USPS deploy a similar service here in the US. I live in a rough neighborhood, on a major access street, and as a result have had packages stolen off my front porch when a UPS or FedEx delivery person just tosses them by the front door, in plain sight. Having the option (even for a slight fee) of having my packages delivered to a 24-hour self service location would be amazing.

    Aug 10, 2009
  • anon

    Wow! 24-Hour Parcel Service was really great. It's also save time. Very informative. I learned and I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing. -urieqo-

    Feb 24, 2009
  • anon

    I would just be happy if there were more APCs in more convenient locations. What I don't think people at USPS get is that the very existence of UPS and FedEx is due to USPS's institutional failure. If you don't realize the writing on the wall, you will be driven into the ground. As older generations either die off or, those willing, adopt electronic alternatives to sending things through the mail; USPS will become ever more irrelevant. Off the top of my head, the only thing that I can think of that I absolutely have to get in the mail is other government notifications, i.e., tax bills, registration, etc. (which is also due to the abject failure of the degenerate geezers running this country that have absolutely no clue how the world has changed). If USPS does not pick up the strides that they have made over the last couple years, to adopt new technologies, it will be relegated to stuffing mailboxes with junk-mail; which is all I get.

    Feb 02, 2009
  • anon

    I wish it were that easy...I've spoken with my carrier, his supervisor, the P.O. manager, & filed numerous complaints...nothing is ever done. I've started using UPS as they will deliver & not damage my items. It's a shame really-the USPS used to be a well run organization.

    Feb 02, 2009
  • anon

    My husband is a realtor who often works from home. We find it exceedingly annoying when the carrier does not bother to ring the doorbell, but simply leaves a notice. And my husband is usually home! A Packstation might be a great alternative. That way we could at least get our package the same day. But I wonder how it works if you have to sign for an insured parcel...

    Jan 21, 2009
  • anon

    Let the Postmaster know that the carrier is not ringing your bell, or you may want to speak with the carrier directly the next time you see him/her. Problem solved.

    Feb 01, 2009
  • anon

    I have the SAME PROBLEM!!! My carrier refuses to deliver my packages-I've even offered to walk out to get them from him if he just lets me know he's here! When I complain-I usually don't get ANY mail for days! I just want him to DO HIS JOB!!!!!!

    Jan 21, 2009
  • anon

    Also, if you suspect your carrier is delaying your mail, that is a crime. You can contact uspsoig at www.uspsoig.gov and file a complaint.

    Feb 01, 2009
  • anon
    24 hour package...

    "This convenience is particularly helpful for people who have no way to get to a post office when it is open." You right i definitely agree,thank you this entry. Keep up the good work. by: missy

    Jan 20, 2009
  • anon

    This is a cool idea. The Postal Service should explore extending such services to their competitors too. In other words, UPS and FedEx could drop parcels (that couldn't be delivered on the first attempt) at these "Pakstations" and their customers can pick them up 24/7. The Postal Service could charge UPS and FedEx a small fee for storage. It's a win-win-win situation for FedEx/Ups; their customers; and the Postal Service. This is a classic case of coopetition for the benefits of all.

    Jan 18, 2009

Recent Comments

Share this post


Monthly Archive

Latest Blog Posts

IT Network: Optimize to Thrive

It’s slightly ironic that a system centered on delivering hard copy communications has one of the world’s largest Information Technology (IT) infrastructures.

But once you consider that the U.S. Postal Service has more than 31,000 retail locations, hundreds of thousands of employees, and...

Read More

Executive Level Justice

An executive for a large pharmaceuticals company found out the hard way that crime doesn’t pay. Now he is looking at hard time – 33 months, to be exact.

The former vice president of managed markets for Insys Therapeutics...

Read More

Operational Assessment

The U.S. Postal Service’s Customer Service and Delivery Operations units are the heartbeat of the entire operation. More than 400,000 employees process, sort, and deliver 140 billion letters and flats and 6.4 billion packages annually, relying on technology, such as handheld scanners, to assist...

Read More

Latest Audit Asks

Have You Ever Had Timecard Issues Related to Disallowed Time or Time Charged to the Wrong Code?

The Postal Service uses the Time and Attendance Collection System (TACS) to capture the number of workhours employees spend working various post office operations. Employees record the time and operations they work by swiping electronic timecards on an electronic badge reader. Postal Service ...

Read More

Are USPS’s Contracted Services Providing the Best Value to Meet Customer and Business Needs?

The Postal Service has the resources, network infrastructure, and logistical capabilities to regularly deliver to every residential and business address in the nation. To help accomplish this, the Postal Service has one of the world’s largest IT networks, linking more than 31,000 retail...

Read More

How Does USPS Manage Risks Associated with Networked IT Equipment?

The Postal Service purchases a wide variety of IT equipment such as computers, security cameras, and printers. The equipment is procured by contract or credit card. All purchase requisitions must be processed in eBuy2. The eBuy2 application is used for web-based ordering, management approval,...

Read More

Twitter Feed

#AuditAsks wants to know whether #USPS contracted services are meeting customer and business needs. Share your thou… https://t.co/RbX22Ln7Dx
Feb 14
@From_The_Porch @uscensusbureau Hello. Thanks for your message. For mail fraud, please file a complaint with the Po… https://t.co/sS6Rle1U48
Feb 14
#FactFriday: Learn all about our #OIGAudit team here: https://t.co/BSoJW4rTtK https://t.co/rtsnLUCPTH
Feb 14
Are you a #USPS employee who's experienced issues related to timecard adjustments and time charged to the wrong cod… https://t.co/onu6R5EXGX
Feb 14
In our most recent #OIGAudit, our objective was to assess manual flats processing operations at the #USPS Birmingha… https://t.co/4RNGFLaYaD
Feb 14