What Is A USPS Parcel Locker? (Your Full Guide)

What is a USPS Parcel Locker? How Does it Work? And why should property managers, residential community developers, business owners, and retail stores install them? In this article, we’ll help you understand everything about USPS.

Receiving packages can sometimes be a daunting experience with many uncertainties involved. While USPS allows you to track your package, you’ll still worry about missing your delivery or having your package stolen. However, with USPS Parcel Lockers, you don’t have to worry about all that. This is because it is a safe and secure place for your package to be delivered.

Previously, you would only find USPS Parcel Lockers in Post Offices. However, USPS requires buildings and properties to install parcel lockers to make delivery faster and more efficient. Therefore, USPS parcel lockers are becoming the new norm for receiving packages.

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What Is USPS Parcel Locker?

A USPS parcel locker is a securely locked container where mail carriers can leave packages that don’t fit into standard mailboxes. These boxes are usually located in common spaces and can be accessed by anyone with the proper code.

Therefore, instead of making numerous delivery attempts, the USPS delivery driver can leave your package in the parcel locker. They are a great way to receive large packages without worrying about missed deliveries. You can choose either a private or USPS-owned parcel locker whose locks and keys are provided by USPS.

How Do USPS Parcel Lockers Work?

USPS parcel lockers provide a safe, contactless, and streamlined delivery system. Normally, you would have your large parcel delivered to the communal mail area. This would leave it exposed and unsecured since it’s too big to fit into the mailbox. Sometimes the mail delivery driver would be forced to make multiple delivery attempts if your package was valuable.

A parcel locker facilitates more efficient package deliveries by providing a safe, secure place for delivery drivers to leave your packages. Since lockers are available 24 hours a day, pickups and deliveries can be made anytime. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your package is in a secure place that only authorized individuals can access. It also makes it easy for mail carriers to complete their deliveries without worrying about losing your package.

Types of Parcel Lockers at USPS

There are two types of parcel lockers based on where they are located. These include:

USPS-Owned Parcel Lockers

These are parcel lockers that USPS installs in buildings and communities. USPS-owned parcel lockers are also found in post offices and can be used by anyone. The Postal Service then gives each resident an individual parcel locker, a lock, and three keys. However, you’re free to make as many copies as possible.

There are different types of USPS-owned parcel lockers depending on the weight of packages they can hold. You should also keep in mind that some parcel lockers may operate differently. There are cases where the parcel locker key is left in your residential mailbox for you to retrieve your package.

Privately-Owned Parcel Lockers

Privately-owned parcel lockers are usually located in businesses and residential homes. To use these lockers, you’ll be required to have an account with the company. In most cases, your property management or owner will provide you with the locks and keys. They will also have a way of notifying you when you have a package in your parcel locker. Irrespective of your type of locker, you’re sure of the safety of your package.

How Do You Get a Package from a USPS Parcel Locker?

There are many reasons USPS mail carriers deliver packages into the parcel lockers. It could be that the package is large, should be secure, or they would like to leave a package where you can easily retrieve it. Therefore, if your Amazon package was left in a Parcel Locker, you won’t have any problems getting it. Here is how you can get a package from a USPS Parcel Locker:

Notification

After your package is delivered, your USPS tracking status will be updated to Delivered to a Parcel Locker. You probably already have your USPS parcel locker key used to open your parcel locker. However, if your building doesn’t assign individual parcel lockers, the mail carrier may leave the key inside your letter mailbox.

There will be some identifying number or letter that you’ll need to open the parcel locker. For electronic parcel lockers, you’ll be notified by text, app, or email when your package arrives. You’ll also receive the code required to unlock the locker. After receiving a notification, you may pick up your package from your parcel locker.

Collection

To collect your parcel from USPS, you’ll need a specific parcel locker key issued by USPS. You can also get a copy of the key from your safe deposit box. Even though residents can use the same locker, it will only remain accessible if they stay in a particular location. USPS changes the locks whenever a resident moves out and updates the keys.

If you’re using an electronic USPS Parcel Locker, you’ll be required to enter a unique QR, barcode, or alphanumeric code. You can easily open it with your phone by scanning the code sent to you after your package is delivered. With your key or unique code, all you have to do is open your USPS parcel locker and pick up your package.

What to Do If You Lose Your USPS Parcel Locker Key?

After losing your USPS parcel locker key, you should immediately visit your delivering Post Office to get the issue resolved. You’ll be required to verify your address and name for USPS to help you. After confirming your information, USPS could send someone to change the lock and replace the keys. You’ll not be able to access your Parcel locker until the issue is resolved. You should remember that for security reasons, USPS does not just offer replacement keys.

What Are the Benefits of USPS Parcel Lockers?

USPS Parcel Lockers have plenty of advantages over traditional package delivery systems. Some of the benefits of using parcel lockers include the following:

Guaranteed delivery

USPS parcel lockers are available 24 hours, making it easy for mail carriers to deliver your package at any time. Therefore, it ensures that you receive your package on time and every time.

Security and safety

A USPS parcel locker is a more secure and safer way of receiving packages. Instead of leaving your valuable package in an unsecured area, you’re sure your package is delivered in a safe and secure locker.

Convenience

A Parcel Locker allows you to pick up your package whenever it’s convenient, whether during the day or at night. You’ll not be restricted to picking up the items only during specific opening hours. You can conveniently pick up your items if you have the key or access card.

Conclusion

USPS Parcel Lockers are the most convenient, secure, and safest way of receiving packages. They are becoming more popular, with USPS requiring all new developments to include parcel lockers. With a USPS parcel locker, it is easy for recipients to receive their packages even when they are not at home. All you’ll need is your locker key, unique code, or access card to enjoy the many benefits of a USPS parcel locker.