Fostering the Use of Unassisted Off-Hour Deliveries

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the technologies available for use in unassisted off-hour deliveries (i.e., deliveries made outside of regular business hours without the presence of receiving staff). The focus is on technologies that monitor and provide access, on some level, to the establishment and those that lessen or eliminate the noise created by delivery trucks and equipment. This paper also touches on the costs and benefits to companies that use unassisted off-hour deliveries and, ultimately, the question of who should cover the costs of the technologies. This issue is tied to the discussion of policy implications and how the public sector can help increase the adoption of these delivery programs.