Parcel Lockers: Secure Package Delivery

The E-Commerce Boom Has Changed Mail Delivery Forever

Ten years ago, a community mail station could comfortably handle the day’s deliveries: a few letters, catalogs, and maybe the occasional shoebox-sized parcel. Today, with residents ordering everything from pet food to patio furniture online, the daily delivery load has exploded.

The result? Overflowing compartments, packages left unsecured, and frustrated residents. In some cases, USPS or private carriers have no choice but to leave deliveries exposed—or take them back to the post office, forcing a redelivery.

Q: What is a Parcel Locker?
A: A USPS-approved, lockable compartment for packages too large to fit in a standard mailbox. Carriers place the package inside and leave a key in the resident’s mailbox.

Parcel Lockers: The Smart, Secure Solution

Parcel lockers are built for today’s package-heavy world. Weather-resistant and fully lockable, these compartments keep deliveries secure until residents are ready to pick them up. USPS carriers simply place the package inside, lock it, and drop the key in the mailbox.

This approach eliminates:

• Theft risk from packages left in the open.

• Weather damage from rain, snow, or heat.

• Delivery delays caused by missed drop-offs.

Cluster Box Unit (CBU) — A centralized, USPS-approved mailbox system with multiple locked compartments for individual addresses, often paired with one or more parcel lockers.

Sizing Your Parcel Locker System

Not all communities need the same capacity. Factors like resident count, package frequency, and seasonal delivery spikes will determine how many lockers you’ll require. A common guideline is one parcel locker for every 10–15 residences, but higher-volume properties should plan for more.

Q: Are Parcel Lockers Required by USPS?
A: Not always. However, for new multi-unit developments, USPS often recommends—or even requires—them when high package volume is expected.

Blending Form with Function

Gone are the days when parcel lockers had to be purely utilitarian. Today’s models are available in colors and finishes that coordinate perfectly with your CBUs, mailbox posts, and even decorative street signage. Many HOAs incorporate them into covered kiosks with lighting and message boards, turning a simple package solution into a neighborhood design feature.

Compliance You Can Count On

Parcel lockers must meet USPS specifications for size, accessibility, and placement to be serviced. Working with an experienced supplier ensures your system is compliant from day one—saving you the headache of modifications later.

The Bottom Line

Parcel lockers aren’t an optional upgrade anymore—they’re a necessity for modern communities. They protect packages, keep carriers efficient, and contribute to a professional, well-maintained neighborhood image.

Ready to stop worrying about package theft and delivery chaos?
Forsite designs USPS-approved parcel locker solutions sized to your community’s needs and styled to match your overall mailbox and signage plan.

📞 Call us at (855) 537-0200 or contact us online to start your parcel locker upgrade today.