When we discuss last-mile delivery, it typically revolves around delivery straight to the doorstep. However, there exists an alternative approach. But what exactly is out-of-home (OOH) delivery to parcel stores or stations?
The OOH delivery method isn't a novel concept. Alongside traditional post offices, package pick-up stores have been operational for approximately 25 years, followed shortly by the establishment of parcel lockers. Despite their presence, they are scarcely utilized for package delivery. Only a small fraction of the package volume finds its way to these collection points, often contrary to the recipient's preference.
Home delivery today is a toxic triangle
Of particular concern are packages that have previously failed to reach the doorstep, proving costly for the carrier and exasperating for the recipient. Retrieving these packages often entails a considerable journey to reach the designated package pick-up store.

The inherent unpredictability of home delivery, where the presence of someone to accept the delivery at the designated point is uncertain, has resulted in a hazardous cycle:
The delivery driver travels from the distribution center (point A) to the destination address, the front door (point B), only to frequently find themselves redirected to an OOH drop-off point (point C). Meanwhile, the consumer anticipates the parcel's arrival at point B but is compelled to retrieve it from point C.
This perpetuates a logistical conundrum that has persisted for years. It's crucial to note, however, that the blame doesn't solely lie with the delivery person. In reality, it's the consumer, plagued by uncertainty, who is often deemed the culprit. 😉 Yet, despite its evident flaws, the practice of doorstep delivery has endured for decades.
So, what's the solution?