Trend sees Australia Post boosts parcel locker network
Australia Post is expanding its parcel locker network across residential, retail and transport sites as a shift towards out-of-home delivery starts to influence the way parcels are collected and returned.
The postal operator said Parcel Locker usage rose 20 per cent over the past year, with more than two million registered users.
Its locker network expanded more than 60pc.
The expansion has taken Australia Post’s broader out-of-home network to more than 5000 collection points, including more than 1500 Parcel Lockers, a company spokesperson said.
Network expansion
The network is being expanded through sites including Post Offices, residential precincts, shopping centres and transport hubs, with Australia Post working with major retail property groups to secure locations.
The push comes as online retailers face growing demand for alternatives to home delivery.
Australia Post said seven in 10 consumers want a range of delivery options at checkout, while almost one in three would change retailers to access out-of-home delivery.
Parcel Locker use for returns has also increased, rising 36pc over the past year, according to Australia Post.
The infrastructure is becoming a more material part of the retail and residential logistics chain as ecommerce volumes shift more parcel traffic towards collection points. Australia Post’s 2026 ecommerce report said out-of-home delivery options were becoming a strategic consideration for retailers, citing higher customer satisfaction and the potential to reduce missed deliveries and customer enquiries.
Australia Post executive general manager, Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services Gary Starr said the changing delivery pattern was driving investment in the network (continues below).
“Australians are looking for delivery options that give them greater flexibility and control, and Parcel Lockers provide a secure and convenient way to collect parcels when it suits them,” he added.
“As shopping habits continue to evolve, we’re investing in the infrastructure and delivery solutions that help businesses connect with customers across Australia while making it easier for people to access their parcels,” according to the executive.
Australia Post is also changing the format of some post offices, with a greater focus on parcels through agency models and dedicated parcel locations.
“With more than two million registered users and demand continuing to rise we’re focused on expanding our Parcel Locker network in convenient locations and strengthening the capacity needed to support Australia’s growing eCommerce economy,” Mr Starr said.
Forever New head of digital and eCommerce Callum Shaw added the retailer had seen increased use of Parcel Lockers since adding the option at checkout, particularly among Millennials and inner-metropolitan customers.
“Since introducing the Australia Post Parcel Locker widget at checkout, we’ve seen a steady increase in customers choosing Parcel Lockers as their preferred delivery option, particularly among Millennials and customers in inner metropolitan areas,” according to the executive.
“The integration was straightforward and has enabled us to offer greater delivery choice,” she said.
“We’ve also seen a reduction in missed deliveries by -12pc, helping deliver a more convenient, reliable experience and a better overall online shopping experience for our customers”.
Australia Post’s current network includes more than 1500 parcel lockers.
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