As part of his ongoing transformation of logistics service in New York City (NYC), Mayor Eric Adams has launched LockerNYC, a free pilot program that will use lockers installed on public sidewalks for secure package deliveries.
According to NYC DOT, 90,000 packages are reported stolen or lost in transit in New York City every day, and the new lockers will help to reduce parcel theft levels.
The LockerNYC pilot includes seven units, each with the capacity to securely hold 25 packages, and is available across multiple delivery carriers. New Yorkers can sign up for free and manage orders online.
“We are taking on porch pirates and cutting down on emissions by unwrapping LockerNYC, our pilot program that will combat package theft and reduce delivery truck traffic in our city,” said Mayor Adams. “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. This is a part of our broader efforts to reimagine how New Yorkers get their goods and services, including through our forthcoming Department of Sustainable Delivery that was announced in this year’s State of the City.”
Sustainable last mile
The LockerNYC pilot program also aims to reduce delivery truck traffic by consolidating deliveries at central locations. It builds upon recent administration efforts to reimagine deliveries in New York City, restructure freight distribution and create a sustainable last-mile delivery system for getting goods where they need to go.
Alongside the Department of Sustainable Delivery, NYC DOT has recently announced new rules to allow for more deliveries to occur using electric cargo bikes, a safer and more sustainable alternative to large delivery trucks. Likewise, DOT previously announced a local delivery hub pilot program to reduce negative environmental and safety effects of truck deliveries that will launch this year. DOT is also expanding the number of dedicated loading zones for deliveries across the five boroughs, with over 2,000 loading zones installed in the past two years.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi added, “Covid changed the way we shop; now, 80% of us get one package delivered per week. This administration is taking a holistic look at green solutions for this very modern challenge with delivery lockers and microhubs, and using our waterways, rather than trucks, to get goods where they need to go. The green revolution starts here.”
Locker locations
Locations for the LockerNYC pilot 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. Each locker location is visibly equipped with two security cameras, LED lighting, and anti-theft mechanisms on locker compartments.
The lockers will be operated and maintained by GoLocker, the vendor selected by the city for this initiative, and GoLocker will oversee customer support and overall management of the technology.
The pilot will be in place for a year, with the potential to be extended upon evaluation, enabling DOT to test and evaluate the technology and delivery model. DOT will collect anonymized data on locker usage to assess the overall success of the pilot and the potential for expansion.