Amazon Hubs Will Provide Secure Package Lockers For Delivery
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Multi-unit lockers allow customers to retrieve packages with a passcode.
Amazon is constantly thinking about how to improve the last mile of delivery for its customers. Amazon already has installed lockers in public places like malls and train stations that allow customers to have packages delivered securely for later access. Called Amazon Locker, the service provides a secure self-service delivery location where customers can retrieve or return Amazon.com packages across the U.S.
Now, in its latest development, the e-commerce giant is rolling out a new service offering installation of multi-unit delivery lockers called Hubs in condo buildings and apartment complexes to allow secure holding of packages delivered for building residents, according to Engadget. Each individual locker is accessible via a passcode, residents can receive packages in their lockers from shopping sites and delivery services other than Amazon, and even from other individuals.
“Hub by Amazon brings self-service delivery and trusted customer support together to create a package management solution you can count on,” Amazon notes in its promotional material.
The Hub is designed to provide a secure location for package delivery where there is no concierge or open management office in the building. The Hub is accessible 24/7 and can be used for other purposes besides Amazon packages. The Hub can be customized by landlords for their specific properties. The lockers come in indoor and outdoor versions, three colors, and several sizes.
Amazon describes a Hub as a “modular system that can be easily installed at a variety of properties.” It comes in two sizes, a Starter Hub that is 6 feet wide with 42 compartments; and an Expander Segment to add 23 more compartments. “The modules link to each other to provide the right capacity for your property’s needs,” Amazon notes. “All compartment sizes and layouts are pre-configured, so there’s no need to guess what type of compartments you’ll need.”
“You can pick up any package, from any sender, any retailer, at any time,” a promotional video on the site notes as the video scrolls through packages not just from Amazon and Zappos (owned by Amazon), but also unnamed retailers, and maybe your granny.