What is a parcel locker and how does it work?

A parcel locker is for package delivery only. If a tenant receives a package on a particular day, the USPS mail carrier will put a key in the tenant’s mailbox and the key tag will instruct the tenant to take the corresponding key, insert it into the top lock of the corresponding package locker, unlock and open the door. The tenant removes their package from the parcel locker and closes the door. The key WILL REMAIN IN THE LOCK, AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. This lock is referred to as a “captive lock”. The only party who can remove the key from the parcel locker’s captive lock is the USPS mail carrier. The next time the mail carrier services that mailbox he will disengage the key so that the parcel locker may be used the next time a tenant has a package.

Because of how a parcel locker works, it CANNOT be used as a regular tenant mailbox. By USPS regulations, cluster box unit parcel lockers cannot be removed, changed into mailboxes, moved or otherwise modified from the original purpose.