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

  • Tackling Delivery Delays
    I have a package being
    3 days 8 hours ago
    I have a package being volleyed back and forth between Fayetteville NC P O and Proctorville NC for days now. My zip code was typed wrong by one number in the last digit. Everything else City,state...
  • Tackling Delivery Delays
    I do believe that USPS is
    3 days 15 hours ago
    I do believe that USPS is trying, but needs to address some core inefficiencies that plague the system. Here's my personal story as an example. I called to ask a question about my package...

Share this post


Monthly Archive

Latest Blog Posts

Zeroing in on PVS Efficiencies

Zero Base sounds like the first acclimation stop on a climb up Mount Everest. It’s actually an important program to help the U.S. Postal Service control costs in its Postal Vehicle Service (PVS) program.

The PVS fleet transports mail primarily within a 50-mile radius: between processing...

Read More

When Less Costs More Than It Should

It seems a simple equation: processing costs should decrease as mail volumes decline. Except that’s not happening. And it’s hurting the U.S. Postal Service’s bottom line.

The Postal Service has not been able to lower mail processing costs at its 285 plants to match decreasing mail volumes...

Read More

Taking Stock of Stamp Inventory Controls

Postage stamps, records manipulation, and a clandestine call to report suspicions. It has the makings of a good series to binge watch on a rainy weekend.

Instead, it’s a recent audit report...

Read More

Latest Audit Asks

Does USPS Have the Cyber Incident Response Capability to Effectively Address Threats?

Effective remediation of cybersecurity events is critical to the integrity of Postal Service systems and to enabling the goals of uninterrupted service delivery, preservation of consumer trust, compliance with regulations and standards, and the retention of a competitive position in the digital...

Read More

Does USPS's Expedited Packaging Supplies Program Effectively Increase Revenues and Manage Costs?

The Postal Service provides packaging supplies for its domestic and international Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail products at no additional cost. Free packaging is a unique selling tool, differentiating the Postal Service from its competitors. These packaging items include boxes and...

Read More

How does the U.S. Postal Inspection Service National Forensic Laboratory Services Safeguard Evidence?

The Postal Inspection Service maintains a National Forensic Laboratory, which has forensic scientists, analysts, and contractors assisting postal inspectors in identifying, apprehending, prosecuting, and convicting individuals responsible for postal-related crimes. The forensic team conducts...

Read More

Twitter Feed

#FactFriday: After Christopher Columbus returned from the Americas, he wrote a letter to the King and Queen of Spai… https://t.co/BZBebCuG8J
Oct 11
The objective of this #OIGAudit was to evaluate the package delivery scanning process on select routes at #USPS Sta… https://t.co/G6BVxJ8mij
Oct 10
@lindseylschmidt Thanks for your message. For mail theft, we recommend filing an online complaint with our Hotline.… https://t.co/xwGw6oU417
Oct 10
This #OIGAudit evaluated whether local purchases and payments made at the #USPS Main Post Office in Kearny, NJ, wer… https://t.co/446ia0qiQF
Oct 09
@CAE74638395 Hello. Thanks for your message. For mail theft, we recommend filing an online complaint with our Hotli… https://t.co/3hEyEE8N7F
Oct 09