Singapore has now launched its nationwide parcel locker network. The network provides consumers with greater convenience while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the urban logistics sector amidst the e-commerce boom.
The network, launched by Minister for Communications and Information Mr S Iswaran, is one of the world’s first open-access nationwide locker networks. It will progressively be available for use by all logistics service providers (LSPs), e-commerce marketplaces, and their customers. This will complement existing doorstep deliveries and expand the options provided to consumers for receiving and returning their purchases while improving fulfilment reliability and delivery productivity of e-commerce marketplaces and LSPs.
Online shoppers will soon be able to conveniently collect their purchases anytime from more than 200 easily accessible lockers located in Community Clubs (CCs), Housing Development Board (HDB) estates, and transport hubs. The first batch of more than 200 Pick lockers located islandwide have been deployed and will progressively be available for use. By the end of the year, the network is targeted to hit 1,000 parcel lockers, one year ahead of schedule. Most residents will also be able to access a locker via an estimated five minutes’ walk from their home.
The network is a subsidiary of The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and has partnered with an e-commerce marketplace platform to enable consumers to select the network as an option for collecting their online purchases. The network is also partnering with eight LSPs to enable seamless parcel drop-offs and returns through its lockers.
A locker station typically comprises between 40 to 50 lockers in six sizes, from extra small, which can contain one ladies’ shoebox; to extra-large, which can contain a 21-inch medium-sized suitcase or luggage. Security measures include CCTV cameras to deter vandalism or theft. There are also sensors embedded in every locker compartment to verify that the process of deposit or retrieval has been completed. Consumers will be able to return parcels at selected lockers at CCs and HDB blocks.
The network will also help to minimise the impact on the environment, by reducing repeat trips and fuel consumption by LSPs from failed deliveries. The network is expected to reduce the distance travelled for delivery purposes by 44% daily and Singapore’s CO2 emissions by up to 50 tonnes a year.
The deployment of this nationwide parcel locker infrastructure is a multi-agency effort with strong support from key partner agencies and Ministries. The IMDA and the network are working with the HDB, Land Transport Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Transport, People’s Association, Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Police Force on processes such as the siting of lockers and the co-development of safety and security guidelines, to ensure the smooth implementation of the network.
Before the installation of its lockers, the tech developer conducted a residents’ engagement campaign to gather feedback from residents. More than 12,000 residents have responded, with 97% of residents indicating that the lockers situated in their neighbourhood will give them greater convenience and flexibility, and 96% saying that they will use the locker stations.
The developers said that with the network, consumers can now enjoy convenient and secure 24/7 access to their online purchases. Consumers may collect their e-commerce purchases in their neighbourhoods or as part of their daily commute and will no longer have to schedule their lives around collection times.
The network will continue to grow the number of their lockers to give consumers an even better online shopping experience and will continue working with their partners to introduce even more innovative use-cases for Singapore’s consumers in the coming months.
