AWARDS 2023 C LAST-MILE DELIVERY INNOVATION OF THE YEAR WINNER: QUADIENT Also shortlisted: Cleveron VaultGroup Scurri Track Plus Arka Mily Technologies onsumers are returning their online purchases at a much higher rate than in-store purchases. An NRF survey found that almost one in five purchases are returned in the US, and the rate grows to one in four in Western Europe, according to e-commerce associations FEVAD and IMRG. This is a tough challenge for retailers and carriers who are looking for solutions that help them scale to meet growing demand without increasing their greenhouse gas emissions. Parcel Pending by Quadient’s new fully integrated Drop Box locker facilitates drop-offs, pickups and returns. It may be equipped with a built-in printer, enabling customers to print and apply shipping and return labels to their packages before placing them directly into the deposit box at the locker terminal. The solution helps carriers maximize efficiency and contributes to reducing the e-commerce environmental footprint by consolidating deliveries, collections and returns. The feature is available in Parcel Pending by Quadient’s open locker network in the UK, France and North America. Earlier this year, Evri, which joined Quadient’s smart locker open network in the UK, became the first carrier to use the Drop Box technology. Benoit Berson, chief solution officer for parcel locker solutions at Quadient, said, “Efficiently managing returns is a critical component of retail and carrier strategies and we’re excited to be offering the new Parcel Pending Drop Box locker across North America and in Europe to help retailers and carriers maximize operational efficiency and improve the customer experience through this enhanced, self-service returns option. Backed by years of experience providing parcel lockers in the US, UK, France and Japan, Quadient is committed to driving innovation and remaining an established leader in smart parcel lockers.” The Drop Box was first used by Evri in the UK purchase, and 65% declare they would buy more from a brand based on having a good return experience. Quadient is committed to protecting and preserving the environment and has taken action to combat climate change and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. The Parcel Pending by Quadient Drop Box contributes to lowering the industry’s environmental footprint by consolidating parcel returns and collections and thereby reducing the number of delivery points that contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Made from cold-rolled steel, Quadient lockers provide enduring performance for long-lasting use and can be positioned outdoors. Commenting on winning the award, Berson added, “We are extremely proud of Quadient’s recognition as Last-Mile Delivery Innovation of the Year at the Parcel and Postal Technology International Awards. It validates our focus and efforts to design and engineer technologies with the highest levels of innovation and service, and to address the evolving needs of consumers and the e-commerce supply chain. Combined with our advanced parcel management, monitoring and tracking platform, the Drop Box marks a significant step forward in optimizing return fulfillment for retailers, carriers and consumers alike.” New features, familiar design The Drop Box shares the same design as the standard Parcel Pending by Quadient parcel locker. The collection box accepts up to 20 parcels and has a smart sensor inside that detects when the box is full. Fully integrated with Quadient’s centralized SaaS-based management platform, the locker delivers instant notifications for easy pickups and returns, delivered in real time. The Drop Box locker integrates seamlessly with any existing standard Parcel Pending by Quadient locker solutions or can be custom configured as part of a new installation. Thanks to the built-in printer, carrier shipping labels can be printed on-site, which is a major benefit for carriers who collect the parcels at the locker location. It is also an advantage for consumers, who no longer have the hassle of printing labels at home. For retailers, the return option generates added traffic for the store. A Quadient customer survey found that 15% of consumers make an additional purchase when completing an in-store return for an online ABOVE: The Drop Box can be integrated with any existing Parcel Pending by Quadient locker RIGHT: An internal sensor notifies the operator that it is full 60 www.ParcelandPostalTechnologyInternational.com December 2023