UPS is making it easier for consumers to pick up their packages on their own time with the expansion of its Access Point smart locker package pick-up program.
Access Point is rolling out to 300 new locations in five states —Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington — following a successful test drive in Chicago.
Smart Locker delivery is also an option for retailers who want to incorporate it into their website checkout process — offering alternative delivery locations for customers who can not receive packages at their front door, or who merely don’t want to. The system works by developing a partnership with local business locations doubling as package pick-up and drop-off locations. There are currently 8,000 such locations located around the United States, mostly to be found outside convenience stores and other 24-hour a day locations. The lockers are a new innovation from UPS to help keep eCommerce-related costs down while also offering customers a desirable option set.
According to UPS, the program is expected to track to some big expansion in the coming months, with thousands of locations on the dock to be added.
The move comes as Amazon is leveling up its own internal logistics, and speculation is becoming prevalent that UPS runs the risk of joining the list of firms undercut by Amazon.
