A parcel locker or pick-up station, parcel machine, locker, parcel box, pick-up box or APM is a self-service machine, a pick-up and drop-off point for parcels with lockable compartments in various sizes. Parcels can often be picked up or dropped off there by one or more parcel services, regardless of opening hours.

Open parcel lockers are also referred to as white label / white label parcel lockers, agnostic or provider-neutral parcel lockers. In Germany and Austria, myflexbox operates the largest such network. Open parcel lockers have several parcel service providers integrated and offer their parcel services (collection, dispatch, returns, redirection). myflexbox, for example, is a last-mile infrastructure provider that is independent of parcel services. This type of out-of-home delivery is seen as the future of the last mile.

White label / white label parcel stations are also referred to as open, agnostic or provider-neutral parcel lockers. In Germany and Austria, myflexbox operates the largest such network. White-label / whitelabel parcel stations have several integrated parcel service providers and offer their parcel services (collection, dispatch, returns, redirection). myflexbox, for example, is a last-mile infrastructure provider that is independent of parcel services. This type of out-of-home delivery is seen as the future of the last mile.

Closed parcel lockers are proprietary, i.e. unlike open whitelabel parcel stations (e.g. from myflexbox), they are only operated by one parcel service or provider (or by a few). This means that each parcel station can only handle parcels from one provider. They have limited or no access for external providers or users, are usually directly dependent on one parcel service provider and are therefore not neutral.

Collection: A parcel is delivered to the parcel locker,

– if you are not at home when the parcel is first delivered
– if you have a parcel sent there directly, e.g. by requested delivery
– if you redirect it there (permanently)
– if you select a parcel locker as the delivery location in an online store during checkout.

As soon as it is stored, you receive a notification with a QR code/collection code and address. This is used to open the compartment and remove the parcel.

Shipping/returns:

– You create a returns label or a parcel label on the parcel service’s website
– Stick it on the parcel
– You scan it at the parcel locker
– Enter an e-mail address (optionally a telephone number)
– A compartment opens and you can insert the parcel
– You receive an e-mail or SMS as confirmation

A parcel is delivered to the parcel locker,

– if you are not at home when the parcel is first delivered
– if you have a parcel sent there directly, e.g. by requested delivery
– if you redirect it there (permanently)
– if you select a parcel locker  as the delivery location in an online store during checkout.

As soon as it is stored, you receive a notification with a QR code/collection code and address. This is used to open the compartment and remove the parcel.

– You create a returns label or a parcel label on the parcel service’s website
– You stick it on the parcel
– You scan it at the parcel locker
– Enter an e-mail address (optional telephone number)
– A compartment opens and you can insert the parcel
– You receive an e-mail or SMS as confirmation

This depends on the operator and the type of station. Some parcel lockers, such as the neutral provider myflexbox, work without any app requirements or registration. Parcels can be collected, returned or sent via the touchscreen on site. Notifications are sent by email or text message and access to the locker is granted by entering a code (PIN/QR code) on the display. Others are app-controlled and require an app to open.

This varies depending on the operator. A limited collection window of several days is usual. After that, the shipment is usually returned or relocated. You should check the notifications or the help pages of the respective parcel service.

Many parcel lockers can be used 24/7 or around the clock, but this can depend on the location, for example if they are located in a building with opening hours.

Returns are possible at many parcel lockers, either with a QR code, label or app process. Whether this is possible depends on the operator, the shipping service provider and the store’s returns procedure.

In addition to collection and returns, some networks also offer parcel delivery directly via the parcel locker. Whether this is available depends on the operator and the country. In Germany and Austria, for example, this is possible with myflexbox parcel lockers.

– myflexbox in Germany: collection, shipping and returns with DPD, GLS, UPS and FedEx
– myflexbox in Austria: collection, shipping and returns with Austrian Post (ÖPAG), DPD, GLS, UPS, DHL Express and FedEx. This makes Austria the first and only country in which all major parcel services are united in a parcel locker network,

If no suitable compartment size is available, delivery can be delayed. Some systems automatically switch to nearby locations or try again later. The details vary depending on the operator.

Parcel lockers are considered very secure because the parcels are stored in locked compartments and opening is controlled by code or app. User surveys show high scores for security and satisfaction. In addition, break-ins and vandalism, for example, are very rare.

In principle, anyone with a valid pick-up code or app access can open the locker. If you want to allow third parties to collect items, you should only use the operator’s official release functions and not share codes in an uncontrolled manner.

Parcel lockers have compartments in several sizes, e.g. XS, S, M, L, XL Very large, bulky or heavy parcels may be excluded. The maximum dimensions that apply are defined by the operator and/or the respective parcel service provider.

Use the location finder of the respective operator or the corresponding app. There you can search by address, map or current availability. With myflexbox, for example, the location finder can be found here.

Delivery to a parcel locker is often possible at no extra charge. This depends on the store or the shipping method. It is best to check the shipping options in the checkout of the store or the price information of the respective parcel service provider.

This depends on the operator. Some systems such as myflexbox allow deliveries to parcel stations without separate registration, others require an account or an app link.

First check whether the code and location are correct and whether you are in the correct time period. If it still doesn’t work, use the help function in the app or the support option of the respective parcel service.

A parcel locker is automated and can usually be used at any time. A parcel store is a staffed pick-up and drop-off location with opening hours, for example in a store.

Rejection is often not “against the concept”, but has practical reasons such as lack of proximity, detour on the route or unsuitable location. These barriers are generally considered to be solvable if the network becomes denser.

Yes, because deliveries can be bundled and fewer delivery stops to individual addresses or multiple deliveries are necessary. This can reduce delivery costs and increase predictability. Less delivery and private transport saves CO2 and emissions. There is also less noise and parking chaos.