(Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that GoLocker machines would be installed inside PUDO member stores.)
PUDO Inc., a network of independent retailers that provide parcel pick up and drop off locations, is partnering with GoLocker to expand availability of smart vending machines in New York City — making it easier for retail brands and customers to save time and money, while reducing urban congestion.
Under the arrangement, PUDO is expanding its footprint by tapping into GoLocker’s existing locations in New York. The hybrid model of lockers and staffed collection points for secure pick up and return of online packages, adds another layer of convenience for consumers, while helping carriers and merchants reduce the cost of first-mile and last-mile delivery, the companies said in a news release on Tuesday.
PUDO connects retailers, parcel carriers and consumers through a network of nearly 2,000 pickup and drop-off points in the United States and Canada, providing a low-cost alternative to traditional couriers delivering to residential doors. Shippers are able to integrate its software, making locations easily visible and accessible to shoppers. The network begins consolidating returns as soon as packages are dropped off. Independent carriers are used to deliver returned packages to a local facility where they are sorted based on the e-tailer’s business rules. Now, PUDO Points include GoLocker locations.
GoLocker has rapidly expanded across New York City and said it is on track to reach 1,000 locations by the 2026 holiday season.
Vending machines are becoming increasingly popular for receiving and sending parcels because they can be used around the clock and are located in central public locations such as supermarkets, train stations, company premises, and residential areas. In addition to providing customers added flexibility, parcel lockers can also reduce courier costs and traffic by making deliveries to a centralized point instead of multiple households.
Lockers have a clear chain of custody. When a delivery arrives, retailers can send the customer a unique QR code or PIN number that expires when their selected pickup window closes.
New York City promotes public lockers
E-commerce growth is adding to congestion in major cities as more trucks circulate on streets delivering to individual residences. In New York City, 80% of households order at least one package per week and each day 90,000 packages are reported stolen or lost in transit because many buildings lack secure areas for package deliveries, according to city officials.
GoLocker says embedding lockers in neighborhood residential complexes and businesses also eliminates missed deliveries, reduces package theft and makes it easier to conduct returns.
A delivery locker pilot in Seattle found that carrier lockers can reduce the amount of time delivery trucks dwell at the curb by as much as 33% and reduce delivery times by as much as 78%.
Last year, New York’s Department of Transportation launched a free pilot program that utilizes lockers installed on public sidewalks to allow New Yorkers in multiple boroughs to receive secure package deliveries. The lockers are operated and maintained by GoLocker and each locker location is equipped with two security cameras, LED lighting and anti-theft mechanisms on locker compartments. Lockers are vinyl-wrapped for quick graffiti removal and are actively monitored for cleanliness and maintenance.
The LockerNYC program is available across multiple delivery carriers.
Locations were selected based on land use, concentration of buildings lacking mail or package rooms, and New York City Police Department package theft data, among other criteria.
“We are taking on porch pirates and cutting down on emissions by unwrapping LockerNYC,” said Mayor Eric Adams said on April 10, 2024.”Reducing crime, fighting climate change, and providing a convenience to New Yorkers all at the same time is a package deal that New Yorkers can be proud of.”
In April 2025, LockerNYC hit a milestone with its 10,000th package delivery. The city subsequently added locations in Brooklyn and Queens. Since the pilot program launched, no graffiti incidents have been reported, and there have been no security breaches, the city announced.
Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.
Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.
RELATED STORIES:
DHL eCommerce to buy out parcel locker partner in Poland
InPost partners with Bloqit to install 20K parcel lockers
DHL’s German parcel unit aims to increase use of parcel lockers
