FedEx and UPS should partner with community schools to act as delivery hubs for "last mile" delivery of packages.
Idea would work like this:Retailers could offer a cheaper shipping option called "Community Hub" that would be cheaper than other alternatives. The package would be shipped to a school where some space is allocated for storage. Schools would receive money in return for their services. Community members would be notified that their package is at the school.
FedEx and UPS benefit by lower costsSchools benefit by increased moneyCommunity benefits by having a lower cost shipping option
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I was once advising a dot.com start up that was based on this idea. Instead of haing UPS or FedEx leave a package at your door, you would make an arrngment with the local florist, coffee shop, pharmacy and they would get your package and hold it for you. The delivery companies win as they make fewer stops and have fewer missed deliveries. Mail-order retailers win as they end up with fewer returned packages. The pick-up places win as they get more foot traffic in their store. Alas, niether FedEx nor UPS was willing to cooperate. Customers used the service by changing their mailing address to the delivery point. The company, PaxZone, ran out of funds--but who knows, it might rise again.
The idea has its merits, but shipping costs have really been going down lately, especially with some new offerings. FedEx Ground offers service anywhere in the USA in 2-5 business days, and has rates that are sometimes 75% cheaper than UPS ground (not to mention the fact that UPS ground service can take weeks).
You want a schoolkid delivering your shiny new high tech toy? Neither do I! And what about minimum pay rates, 3rd party liability, tracking... I could go on (but I would lose the will to live).
I like your thinking, but I wish the shipping companies would just offer *&!?";! night/evening delivery options, or that the post offices were open 24/7 and would accept all shipping companies' deliveries there. Everyday I'm sure there are at least tens of thousands of missed deliveries across the country, causing untold wasteful delays. Anything that wastes time is a waste and waste in all forms should be reduced wherever possible. The macroeconomic benefits to companies and consumers alike would be huge...
I think it would be better to contract with local buisnessesto be depots for the courier companies than public institutions. The Employees would be there, and have more timeto deal with the packages, in addition to their own buisness, rather than the staff at a school or such, which would mean a job specific additonal staff would need to be hired, negatingand revenue from the contract.