Amazon has reportedly been actively seeking methods for ensuring the safe delivery of packages, including making its own smart doorbell service as well as working towards a partnership with Phrame, a company that makes smart license plates for automobiles. Both Amazon and Phrame have yet to respond or comment on rumors regarding these developments.
Amazon has been trying to improve the efficiency and overall service for package deliveries. Now, anyone who is subscribed to Amazon Prime can receive packages in as little as a few hours, with the maximum waiting period usually being a few days. When it comes pure delivery speed, Amazon is one of the leaders of the massive online shopping industry. Yet, the company is still facing a big issue: the security of its packages. People called “porch pirates” frequently go around neighborhoods and look for packages left unattended on porches in order to steal them. In fact, in 2016 alone, a package was stolen from at least 11 million Americans, according to a report from doorbell manufacturer August. Not only are stolen packages a nuisance to consumers, but it is also logistically difficult and extremely expensive for Amazon to repeatedly replace or refund lost stuff. The company has tried to find solutions to this problem, including creating secure Amazon pick-up lockers throughout the nation. Although these lockers ensure the safety of packages, many people who live far from the facilities simply don’t have the time to travel long distances to pick up delivered goods.
Taking the issue of package theft into mind, Amazon is rumored to be seeking a long-term solution by working with Phrame to securely deliver packages straight to one’s car trunk. Phrame allows people to control their car trunks via their smartphones, so people who aren’t near their vehicle can remotely grant access to others. If both Amazon and Phrame do end up working together, they could potentially create a device that combines Phrame’s existing service with customized features in order to create a smart car license plate that works seamlessly with package deliveries. Simultaneously, Amazon is also reportedly working on creating a smart doorbell that would grant deliverymen access to one’s home just to drop off his/her packages safely. For both rumored developments, the two companies have not confirmed their involvement. With that said, only time will tell if these ambitious plans for a permanent fix to delivery theft will materialize.