A parcel locker sharing system to enhance accessibility and equity

Smart parcel lockers (SPLs) are advanced form of traditional parcel lockers (PLs), that integrate digital technologies such as IoT, real-time tracking, and automated access systems to improve the efficiency and convenience of last-mile deliveries. However, due to the limited number and fixed locations of SPLs, they may face limitations in accessibility and equity, particularly in lower-density or underserved areasc ompared to home delivery methods, such as truck deliveries. To address this problem, the authors propose an integrated locker delivery system, called WePick, which combines smart parcel lockers with underused city bus resources for parcel deliveries. SPLs installed in transit centers are used as a benchmark to assess WePick’s performance to improve equity and accessibility. Through a multi-criteria assessment approach and a case study in the Portland area, Oregon, we find that WePick significantly improves all criteria of service accessibility and equity compared to the benchmark lockers. This shows that WePick is a promising complement to the existing locker delivery system.