In the world of e-commerce, the final few miles are often the most complicated. As shoppers demand more flexibility, the traditional "package on the porch" model is being replaced by Out-of-Home (OOH) delivery.

However, if you are a US merchant looking to expand or optimize your shipping, you might find that a "Pickup Location" goes by many different names depending on where you are in the world. From the automated lockers of Poland to the convenience stores of Tokyo, here is how the world picks up its parcels in 2026.

While the industry uses the technical term PUDO (Pick-Up Drop-Off), consumers usually know these services by more local, branded names.

North America: The "Access Point" Model

In the United States and Canada, the terminology is largely driven by the major carriers.

• Hold at Location (HAL): Primarily used by FedEx.
• Access Points: The signature term for the UPS network.
• Parcel Lockers: Increasing in popularity via Amazon Hub and GoPost (USPS).
• In-Store Pickup / BOPIS: Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (usually limited to the specific retailer’s own brick-and-mortar footprint).

Europe: The Gold Standard of PUDO

Europe is currently the most mature market for pickup locations, with nearly 94% of the population living within 10 minutes of a point.

• Click & Collect: The standard term in the UK and Ireland.
• Point Relais: In France, this refers to local shops (bakeries, newsstands) that act as pickup hubs.
• Packstation: In Germany, these are the iconic yellow DHL automated lockers.
• Paczkomat: In Poland, these lockers (by InPost) have become so popular the name is used almost generically.

Asia-Pacific: The "Konbini" Culture

In East Asia, the infrastructure is built around the hyper-density of convenience stores.

• Konbini Pickup (コンビニ受け取り): In Japan, 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are the primary delivery hubs.
• Ban-taek (반값택배): In South Korea, this refers to "half-price delivery" where customers pick up parcels at CU or GS25 stores.
• Cainiao Stations: In China, these are dedicated neighborhood centers for Alibaba/Taobao deliveries.

Not every country uses pickup locations at the same rate. Cultural habits, urban density, and "porch piracy" rates drive adoption.

For years, the US was the outlier, with a heavy preference for front-door delivery. However, 2025 and 2026 have seen a massive shift toward the "Hold at Location" model for three major reasons:

1. Cost Mitigation: US carriers (FedEx/UPS) have significantly increased Residential Surcharges. Shipping to a commercial "Access Point" allows merchants to bypass these fees.
2. Porch Piracy: Package theft has become a billion-dollar problem in the US. Secure pickup locations eliminate this risk entirely.
3. Failed Deliveries: For high-value items requiring an Adult Signature (like wine or electronics), pickup locations ensure the package is delivered on the first attempt, every time.

Whether your customer calls it a Paczkomat, a Konbini, or an Access Point, the intent is the same: convenience, security, and lower costs.

• For US merchants, the goal shouldn't just be to offer "shipping." It should be to offer choices. By integrating a multi-carrier pickup network into your checkout, you aren't just shipping a box; you're providing a localized, premium delivery experience that matches global standards.