UPS to Expand Locker Program to 300 Locations

UPS (NYSE:UPS) is making it easier for online retailers to increase sales and improve the shopper’s online experience by expanding its smart locker program from nine locations in Chicago to 300 locations nationwide.

The UPS Access Point lockers are alternate delivery locations that are usually outside and accessible 24 hours a day at convenience stores and other locations. Online retailers can integrate the locker delivery addresses into their web checkout process to give ‘e-commerce stranded’ consumers, who live in a residence where front-door delivery is not possible, a nearby delivery location.

“For online retailers, providing additional convenient delivery locations is one of the secrets to more shopping cart conversions, greater loyalty and happier customers.” said Kalin Robinson, director of the UPS Access Point locker program. “UPS Access Point lockers can be easily accessed when it fits the shopper’s schedule, giving an online retailer added value to present at checkout. The lockers enable more shoppers to enjoy the ease and simplicity of buying online.”

The lockers are an integrated part of UPS’s portfolio of services for online and multichannel retailers. For example, UPS My Choice members can redirect their deliveries to a UPS Access Point locker, UPS Access Point retail location, or another alternate delivery location. UPS My Choice members who choose a UPS Access Point locker can also receive a barcode on their smartphone for even faster pickup.

UPS is working with 7-Eleven and independently owned and operated retailers to offer the locker program in select areas across the country.

UPS is working with 7-Eleven and independently owned and operated retailers to offer the locker program in select areas across the country. The staggered rollout began in June and initially will be available in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington State. Subsequent states are planned to include California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas.

According to the UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper study, more than half of avid online shoppers, who make two or more online purchases in a typical three-month time period, are interested in an alternate delivery location with extended hours. Preference for alternate delivery locations grew nine points (to 35%) in the last two years according to the UPS study.

When unable to make a delivery at a consumer’s residence, UPS drivers can leave a delivery notice indicating when and where the package will be available for pickup at their neighborhood UPS Access Point location. All that’s needed to pick up the package at a UPS Access Point locker is the UPS InfoNotice alert or tracking number and a valid photo identification card. The process, outlined in a UPS instructional video, can take less time than a transaction at an ATM.

“The increase in online shopping parallels the interest in alternate delivery locations,” continued Robinson. “UPS Access Point lockers are one of the many ways that UPS is helping our customers offer consumers a great online shopping experience.”

In addition to self-service lockers, UPS also has more than 8,000 UPS Access Point locations at local businesses across the United States. These locations are primarily neighborhood convenience and grocery stores, dry cleaners, delicatessens and The UPS Store locations that offer extended evening and weekend hours. There are currently more than 24,000 locations worldwide.

Retailers that are interested in becoming a UPS Access Point location or hosting a UPS Access Point locker can learn more and apply online at UPS.com.

UPS offers several technology-driven services that help retailers deliver the experience shoppers desire, including:

• UPS Quantum View Manage provides manufacturers and retailers with shipment tracking, customs brokerage and inbound-outbound scheduling;
• UPS i-parcel enables consumers around the world to shop online with U.S. and UK retailers as if they were shopping in their own country;
• UPS My Choice provides convenient delivery options that fit busy lifestyles. More than 25 million consumers worldwide use the service to manage when and where their packages arrive, and reschedule or reroute packages to other locations; and
• The UPS Access Point network can be integrated into a retailer’s online checkout process so that consumers can have their packages sent directly to the UPS Access Point location of their choosing.