Parcel Locker Systems Transform Last-Mile Delivery Logistics

This systematic literature review examines parcel locker solutions as a critical infrastructure element for modern last-mile delivery networks. Parcel lockers—automated, self-service pickup and drop-off points—have emerged as a key strategy to address the operational and environmental challenges created by the explosive growth in e-commerce. The research synthesizes findings on deployment models, customer adoption, cost efficiency, and environmental benefits across multiple studies and geographic markets.

For supply chain professionals, this review is particularly timely given the sustained pressure to reduce delivery costs while improving service reliability. Parcel lockers address several pain points simultaneously: they reduce failed delivery attempts, enable flexible pickup windows for customers, lower last-mile transportation costs, and provide a scalable alternative to traditional doorstep delivery. The systematic approach helps practitioners understand which locker configurations (location, capacity, technology integration) drive the best operational outcomes.

The forward-looking implications are substantial. As retailers and logistics providers grapple with rising fuel costs, driver shortages, and carbon reduction mandates, parcel locker networks represent a structural shift in how urban parcels move—from vehicle-to-door to centralized pickup hubs. Supply chain teams should monitor implementation patterns, evaluate hub-and-spoke models for their portfolios, and assess integration opportunities with existing warehouse and retail networks.