Today, Amazon introduced “Hub by Amazon” which is a new locker system that it is aiming to get into all apartments across the US, as a way for customers to get packages delivered to them without needing to be there to sign for them or worry about them getting stolen – which has become an increasing problem lately. It’s similar to mailboxes that most apartment complexes already have, but they are much larger and for packages. Amazon says that Hub will work for other e-retailers as well, so if you are having a package delivered by Target, the delivery person can still put your package in the Hub and keep it safe.
Hub is really a 21st century delivery system, as tenants won’t be using a key to get into the compartment and get their package, instead they will use the screen there to put in their apartment number and possibly a pin or password and then the compartment opens for them. This is actually pretty useful since the compartments are different sizes, so depending on the package, it might be in a smaller space or a larger space. This way users are able to get any package delivered into the hub. Which is definitely a good thing here.
Unfortunately, the Hub will need to be installed by your landlord, so you can’t just have it installed in the lobby of your apartment building. That’s a bit of a bummer, but Amazon is likely going to be doing what it can to get landlords on board with Hub. As it makes it easier for Amazon to deliver packages, as well as faster and the deliveries are more secure than just leaving outside of the apartment door in the hallway for anyone to pick it up and walk away with it. So it is in Amazon’s best interest to get many apartment buildings on-board here.