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Re:Bike manufacturer sees huge reduction in delivery damage ... by kbenson on Saturday September 24, 2016 @09:49PM (#12573495)
I think it likely that if we see a significant amount of automation in delivery, the last mile will eventually see it too.

Right now, my neighborhood has grouped mailboxes[1], and anything more than a semi-flat package will not fix. Small boxes that don't fit are delivered to the shared larger compartment, which is locked, and the key is then left in your mailbox. When you use the key, it does not come out of the shared compartment, so in retrieving your delivery the key is automatically returned. I don't see why this system can't be scaled up somewhat. Automated delivery to a shared compartment which can be designed to accommodate such a scenario would be significantly easier. Want direct to home delivery by a person? I'm sure the delivery companies can accommodate you with a special type of delivery[2]. Theft might be a problem, but since these are generally in neighborhoods next to houses, and setting up a camera would be simple (and undoubtedly pay for itself in some circumstances when people contend they did not get a package), I think it wouldn't be too much of a problem.

1: https://www.mailboxworks.com/images/af-12doorcbu-lrg.jpg

2: In truth, it would probably start with the automated to shared compartment delivery being a new option that's slightly cheaper. Eventually it would probably become the norm since it's cheaper.

Re:Bike manufacturer sees huge reduction in delivery damage ... by nucleardog on Saturday September 24, 2016 @11:57PM (#12573876)
Are there really enough individuals (not businesses) that want to-the-door delivery that it's even worthwhile?

My shipping experience is a constant fight to get them to hold the package for pickup because I'm not going to be home during their delivery hours (~9-5 Mon-Fri) and I don't want to wait four or five business days for them to make several delivery attempts before I go pick it up.

Re:Bike manufacturer sees huge reduction in delivery damage ... by jschwartzi on Sunday September 25, 2016 @11:36AM (#12575749)
I'm waiting for Amazon to finish their locker network so they start to sell un-utilized capacity for this purpose. This strategy is why we have AWS.
Re:Bike manufacturer sees huge reduction in delivery damage ... by Symbiote on Sunday September 25, 2016 @09:44AM (#12575272)
Apart from the automated delivery, services like this exist.

I used one in Denmark last week. I received an SMS saying delivery would be the next day, but I could reply to request delivery to the drop off point in a nearby supermarket instead of at my home. I did this.

I received another SMS with a collection code. A keypad on the set of lockers opened the lock on one of them, and I collected the package at a perfectly convenient time.

http://www.swipbox.dk/