Parcel pickup machine piloted

The first self-service machine for sending and picking up express packages at a Shanghai residential compound has parceled out more than 600 packages in its first month, the Shanghai Morning Post reported Monday.

The machine aims to make it more convenient for working residents to collect their packages, while relieving property management companies of a potential liability.

"It is difficult for office workers to pick up their packages if they do not have someone at home during the day. And it is also inappropriate to receive packages at the office," said an official surnamed Guan from the Juyuan Xinqu sub-district office in Jiading district, which is in charge of the program.

The machine has 36 lockers of different sizes. When a package arrives, the recipient receives a text message with a code that he or she can then punch into the machine to collect the delivery.

It is supposed to cater to the thriving express delivery market, Guan said. Still, the program remains in the trial stage. "The machine's popularity will determine whether more will be installed in the city," Guan told the Global Times.

Some property management companies claim packages on behalf of their residents, but disputes can arise about liability if a parcel goes missing, said Hu Qing, a press officer for Shanghai Baoqing Intelligent Technology, the machine's manufacturer.

The company's initial obstacle is convincing express delivery companies that the machines, which cost between 30,000 yuan ($4,893) to 40,000 yuan, are cost effective, Hu said.

It has not been easy so far. "Most residents use the machine to claim packages, but few use it to send them out, so it is difficult for express companies to profit off them," Hu told the Global Times.

The compound's residents sent no more than three packages from the machine over the past month. 

Shanghai Baoqing Intelligent Technology has worked with Yunda Express to install five machines in universities and around office buildings. The one in Jiading district is the first to make it into a residential compound.