Parcel Lockers: Smarter and Safer Deliveries During Coronavirus

parcel locker service

As millions of people stay indoors to wait out the coronavirus and “‘flatten the curve,” ’, one activity seems to have gained momentum: online shopping. The Financial Post reports that nearly one-third of Canadians are shopping online for things they would normally buy in-store, and retailers who offer the option to pick up purchases at an outdoor parcel locker are reaping the rewards.

E-commerce big-leaguers have made changes in how they process and deliver orders. Major retailers have seen a surge in their existing online retail platform. And retailers that didn’t use to offer an online shopping option have frantically rebuilt their websites to adapt to the new shopping landscape. Delivery companies are scrambling to keep up with the demand. And courier locker systems are proving to be the most reliable method of last-mile delivery and “Buy Online Pick-up In-Store” (BOPIS) storage solutions.

But, one important question remains: is parcel delivery safe during the COVID-19 pandemic? Business experts and leading health authorities have responded with a resounding “yes.” Here’s how distributors and retailers are working to protect the safety of their customers and employees:

E-commerce companies: Leaders in e-commerce have invested upwards of a billion dollars to help the community and protect staff by purchasing masks, hand sanitizer, thermal cameras, thermometers, sanitizing wipes, gloves, and additional handwashing stations. In addition, companies are using disinfectants in buildings, procuring COVID‑19 testing supplies, and hiring additional janitorial staff. Every effort is being made to provide safe and secure product shipments.

Grocery Stores: Most are operating on reduced hours, encouraging social distancing and limiting the number of people allowed in the store at the same time. More significantly, grocery stores are encouraging people to do their weekly shop online, and then pick up their purchases. With parcel delivery lockers in place, customers can safely retrieve their packages without entering the store.

Carrier companies: Deliveries continue around the clock, and carrier companies are keeping up on demand despite some operating adjustments and restrictions. To protect employees, pickup points and carrier company depots are still operating but may have reduced hours. Customers will no longer physically sign for a package unless legally required to do so. Instead, packages are left by the door or, better yet, in a secure courier locker.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have stated that the likelihood of novel Coronavirus contaminating cardboard or other shipping containers is low. Further, there has been no indication of COVID-19 transmission through food or food packaging. Consumers can feel safe ordering online, especially with the safety and convenience of contact-free delivery and storage offered by indoor or outdoor parcel lockers.

To learn more about how industry-leading Snaile courier locker systems are helping Canadians stay safe during COVID-19 visit us online.

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