6 Signs You Should Add Parcel Lockers to Your Mailbox Setup

Managing a multi-tenant property means dealing with package deliveries. In fact, the average U.S. household received over 150 packages in 2022, and that number keeps growing. For businesses and residential tenants alike, safe and secure delivery isn’t just a perk. It’s a necessity.

The ability to receive packages timely, conveniently, and safely is very important to everyone. As a property owner or manager, providing the means for safe package delivery is very important, and will help to prevent the dreaded tenant turnover.

Do You Need Parcel Lockers? Here Are the Signs

What is a Parcel Locker?

Parcel lockers are a great way to provide safe and effective package delivery to your tenants. These compartments are often included with USPS-approved, 4C centralized mailboxes. They’re larger than normal mail compartments and can hold all but large packages.

Each compartment is locking, and when a package is delivered, the recipient gets a key to access that parcel locker. This keeps the package safe from theft until it’s picked up.

Is a Parcel Locker a Mailbox?

While a parcel locker functions similarly to a mailbox, it’s technically not the same thing. Mailboxes are designed to receive letters and small parcels, typically through daily USPS delivery. Parcel lockers, on the other hand, are larger compartments specifically intended for package delivery.

Here’s how they differ:

• Size and Purpose: Mailboxes are for letters; parcel lockers are for packages.
• Delivery Process: When a package doesn’t fit in a regular mailbox, the USPS places it in a parcel locker and leaves a key in the recipient’s mailbox.
• Access: Parcel lockers require a separate key or code, often managed by the postal service or property staff.

So, while parcel lockers are often part of a centralized mailbox system, they serve a different and complementary function.

Why Parcel Lockers Make Sense

Parcel lockers:

• Are approved for direct USPS delivery.
• Can be installed with or without existing centralized mailboxes.
• Support private delivery. Property staff can accept packages from any carrier.
• Are made of heavy-duty, vandal-resistant materials.
• Come in freestanding, wall-mounted, or recessed configurations to suit any property layout.

Benefits of Parcel Lockers Include:

• Many are approved for direct USPS delivery, and can be installed alongside an existing, centralized mail setup.
• Parcel lockers can also be installed alone.
• Parcel lockers can be used for private delivery as well. This means that an employee of a property can take packages from a delivery service (even those other than the USPS) and then store those packages in parcel lockers for tenants until it’s time for pickup.
• These compartments are sturdy and highly resistant to damage and tampering.
• Parcel lockers are designed to work with recessed, freestanding, or wall-mounted 4C mailboxes. Different models are available to fit your property’s needs.

Why Add Parcel Lockers?

Each property and package delivery situation are different, so how do you know if it’s time to add parcel lockers to your mailbox setup? Look for these signs that your tenants are in need of parcel lockers, or more parcel lockers than you already have:

1. Packages Are Going Missing

Don’t ignore reports of packages going missing from your property. In addition to other security measures, such as installing cameras and good lighting, consider adding more parcel lockers to your mailbox setup. If the missing packages are from the USPS, adding parcel lockers to your USPS-approved mailboxes will help reduce the chances of package theft, especially if packages aren’t too big.

If you have older, centralized mailboxes that lack parcel lockers, consider upgrading them to the newer 4C models, as they usually have parcel lockers. Aim for at least one parcel locker per ten customer compartments for commercial properties, unless package delivery is high. If you’re installing new mailboxes for an apartment complex, aim for one parcel locker per five compartments, as mail theft can be common in apartment complexes, where packages are often left in front of doors.

2. Your Office Is Overflowing with Packages

You hold onto packages for tenants, and it’s taking up too much room. Some commercial properties hold onto packages for tenants in a central place such as a lobby or an office. This can be especially true when many packages come from non-USPS carriers. In this case, packages can pile up in these areas, leading to confusion, frustration, and the lack of space.

College mailrooms often face this issue, and many use parcel lockers to store packages for students until it’s time for pickup. Then, students receive a key to access their packages.

The same strategy can be used on other types of properties, especially when there is a higher number of tenants.

3. Tenants Aren’t Around to Receive Deliveries

Not every business or residential tenant will always be open or home during the hours when package deliveries occur. Using parcel lockers can help keep packages safe until customers are ready to take them. Parcel lockers can be especially useful for some businesses that are receiving expensive supplies but don’t always have unlocked doors for the USPS.

Some tenants, such as retirees, may vacation more often than other residents, and will need a way to keep packages safe. Consider adding more parcel lockers for these tenants if the need arises.

4. Your Mailboxes Are Outdated

Older centralized mailboxes usually don’t have parcel lockers, and they’re no longer approved for new properties or renovations by the USPS. These older mailboxes are more likely to have visible wear and tear. If you’re not sure, ask your local post office if your mailboxes are outdated. Upgrading them will usually get you parcel lockers, in addition to new mailboxes.

5. Packages Are Left in Unsafe or Exposed Areas

Look at your property for signs of this issue. If, when packages are delivered to each tenant, are the packages visible to anyone passing on the street? Are packages being left out in the elements, or in unlit areas, or out in the sun for extended periods of time? This can lead not only to package theft, but to damage from rain and other weather conditions. Consider adding parcel lockers to reduce this issue or add landscaping to make packages less visible from high-traffic areas.

6. Tenants Are Asking for Them

Sometimes, the clearest sign is direct tenant feedback.  Listen to your tenants if they voice concerns about the safety of their packages. After all, safety is one of the top reasons that tenants will choose to rent at your property versus another and can mean the difference between retention and turnover. A safer, more convenient delivery system is often a deciding factor for new tenants.

USPS Delivered to a Parcel Locker—But I Don’t Have One?

It’s not uncommon for USPS tracking to say your package was delivered to a parcel locker—even if you don’t recall seeing one or don’t have access to one directly.

Here’s what could be happening:

• Your building may have a shared parcel locker located in a centralized mail area or nearby cluster box unit (CBU). The key to access it might be in your regular mailbox.
• Delivery may be mislabeled. Sometimes, USPS tracking may indicate “parcel locker” even if the item was delivered to a front desk, leasing office, or other holding area.
• There may have been a delivery error. It’s possible your package was placed in someone else’s parcel locker by mistake.

What to do:

1. Check your mailbox for a key or note.
2. Ask your property manager or front office if they manage parcel lockers or received the item on your behalf.
3. Contact your local post office with your tracking number. They may be able to clarify where the package was placed.

If your property doesn’t currently have a parcel locker setup and this issue is recurring, it may be time to explore an upgrade.

Parcel Locker FAQs:

• Are Parcel Lockers Good For Apartments and Other Communities?
• Are Parcel Lockers Useful For Universities and Workplaces?
• For USPS Delivery, What are the Guidelines for Parcel Lockers?
• How are Parcel Lockers installed and how much do they cost?
• What Are Parcel Lockers And How Do They Work?
• What Types of Parcel Lockers Are There?