With plans to invest an additional £600 million by 2029, bringing their total UK investment to £1 billion, InPost aims to expand its network of Automated Parcel Machines (APMs) and enhance logistics facilities.
This expansion is set to create up to 12,000 jobs over the next five years, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for out-of-home deliveries in its fastest-growing market.
(source: trans.info)
As of the end of 2024, InPost operated over 13,000 out-of-home points in the UK, including more than 9,200 parcel lockers. This rapid growth underscores the increasing consumer preference for flexible and convenient parcel collection options. Retail partnerships have been pivotal in this expansion; for instance, Aldi has integrated InPost lockers into over 260 of its stores, allowing customers to collect and return parcels at their convenience. (source: grocerygazette.co.uk)
Impact on Delivery Drivers
The proliferation of parcel lockers is transforming the role of delivery drivers in several ways:
- Reduced Delivery Times: Studies have shown that using parcel lockers can lead to a 50–60% reduction in the time drivers spend inside buildings during deliveries (source: citylogistics.info). This efficiency stems from the ability to deliver multiple parcels to a single, secure location, minimizing the need for repeated delivery attempts and reducing time spent navigating complex residential or office buildings.
- Decreased Failed Deliveries: Parcel lockers significantly lower the incidence of failed delivery attempts. A study in Seattle observed a 78% reduction in delivery times within buildings and reported zero failed deliveries to lockers (source: urbanfreightlab.com). This reliability ensures that drivers can complete their routes more efficiently without the frustration of missed deliveries.
- Optimized Routes and Workloads: The centralized nature of parcel lockers allows for more streamlined route planning. Drivers can consolidate deliveries to locker locations, reducing the number of individual stops required. This optimization not only shortens the total distance travelled but also enables drivers to manage their workloads more effectively, potentially reducing physical strain and time pressures.
- Driver Preferences: While empirical data on driver preferences regarding parcel lockers is limited, the operational benefits suggest a positive reception. The reduction in physical demands and the simplification of delivery processes likely contribute to improved job satisfaction among drivers.
In summary, InPost‘s substantial investment in expanding parcel locker infrastructure in the UK is poised to enhance delivery efficiency and customer convenience. For delivery drivers, this shift represents an opportunity to streamline their workflows, reduce the physical and logistical challenges associated with traditional door-to-door deliveries, and potentially improve overall job satisfaction.
