abstract |
Disclosed herein is a secure parcel delivery method and system that provides a bridge between delivery companies and consumers. The solution includes a parcel delivery and pick-up kiosk that serves as a secure delivery and retrieval location for items that have been ordered via, for instance, the Internet, a catalog, mail order systems, or from television retailers. The kiosk is typically a free-standing unit having a metal frame designed to retain and support a plurality of personalized parcel compartments that can vary in size and shape as desired. The kiosk can be electronically connected to a computer, the computer for use in storing, manipulating and retrieving both parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information. The system includes a central data system for receiving the parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information to ensure that the kiosk is accessed only by an authorized user of the (e.g., a delivery person, a parcel recipient). The parcel delivery system permits interaction between a delivery service, a parcel recipient and a specified website to solve the “last mile” delivery problem. |