Proposal for Enhanced Package Security Device for Postal Service and Amazon

Economy
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Proposal for Enhanced Package Security Device for Postal Service and Amazon

Presented to: The United States Congress

Introduction:

This proposal outlines a novel security device designed to enhance the tracking and security of packages, aimed at reducing theft and improving consumer trust in both postal and online retail services. The device would be applicable for use by both the United States Postal Service (USPS) and Amazon, addressing the significant issue of package theft, known colloquially as “porch piracy.”

Device Overview:

  1. Security Mechanism:

  • Unlock Code System: The device can only be removed from the package by entering a unique unlock code, which can be sent to the recipient’s smartphone upon confirmation of delivery. This enhances security by ensuring only the intended recipient can access the package contents.

  • Cable Straps: The device would be secured to the package using high-tensile, steel-reinforced cable straps, capable of withstanding attempts to cut or tamper with them, thereby deterring theft.

  1. Tracking and Surveillance:

  • GPS Tracking: Each device would include a GPS tracker to monitor the location of packages in real-time. This feature would not only aid in tracking the package during delivery but also in case of theft, helping law enforcement recover stolen goods.

  • Photographic Evidence: A small, integrated camera would activate upon any attempt to forcibly remove or tamper with the device, capturing images or a short video to document the incident. This evidence could be crucial for legal action and deterrence.

  1. Memory Chip:
  • A miniaturized memory chip would store tracking data and photographic evidence, ensuring that even if the device is disabled, the data can be retrieved for investigation or return logistics.
  1. Anti-Theft Applications:

  • Alarm System: Upon unauthorized tampering, the device would trigger an audible alarm to deter thieves and alert nearby individuals or the recipient via their smartphone.

  • Remote Locking: Users could remotely lock or unlock the device through an associated app, providing additional control over package security.

Economic Impact and Financial Considerations:

  • Current Losses: The issue of package theft results in significant financial losses. According to reports, over 120 million packages are stolen annually, with Amazon packages accounting for a substantial portion of these thefts. This not only affects consumer trust but also leads to revenue loss for both USPS and Amazon through replacement costs, refunds, and decreased customer satisfaction.

  • Potential Savings: Implementation of this security device could drastically reduce these losses. By deterring theft through visible security measures and providing means for recovery or evidence of theft, we estimate a potential reduction in losses by up to 50% within the first year of deployment, translating into millions of dollars saved in replacement costs and operational overhead.

Operational Integration:

  • Return System: After the package is opened by the recipient, the device would be returned via standard postal service to Amazon for reuse or recycling, ensuring cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

  • Postal Service Contract: A contractual agreement between Amazon and USPS would be necessary for:

    • Handling Returns: USPS would be responsible for collecting these devices from designated deposit points or directly from consumers’ homes at no additional cost.

    • Maintenance and Distribution: USPS would manage the maintenance, distribution, and initial placement of these devices on packages, creating a new revenue stream through this service contract.

Consumer Convenience:

  • Deposit Points: To facilitate returns, secure, weather-resistant deposit boxes would be placed at strategic locations (like post offices or designated Amazon Hubs) where consumers can easily return used devices. These would be similar to current package drop-off points but specifically designed for this purpose.

Conclusion:

By implementing this security device, we can significantly mitigate the risks associated with package theft, enhance consumer confidence, and optimize the operational efficiency of both Amazon and USPS. This system not only promises a reduction in financial losses but also fosters a safer, more secure delivery ecosystem, potentially setting a new standard for package security worldwide.

Recommendations for Congressional Action:

  • Legislation Support: Encourage legislation that supports the integration of such technology into standard delivery practices, possibly offering tax incentives for companies implementing these security measures.

  • Funding and Research: Allocate funds for further research and development to refine these devices, ensuring they meet privacy, security, and environmental standards.

We urge Congress to consider this proposal as a step towards securing the future of postal and e-commerce logistics, protecting consumers, and ultimately, supporting economic stability through reduced losses and enhanced efficiency.

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Very interesting idea.

Help me understand why the federal government needs to act on this. Why can’t a private company build this out without government approval or legislation?

Seems like the critical issue here is cost. Apple airtags are selling for as little as $16 and most people find that too expensive to deploy widely.

3

Amazon could create this and employ the usps to return service with a contract, they will gain security and the reduction in losses will pay for the contracted service from the post office.
The idea is to create a circular function that reduces the losses from the post office while also improving consumer care and service. A win - win.

4

Anything that uses the government services needs to go through the government. It is not required to be designed by the government but it will need to be approved.
Apple airtags may or may not be useful, the security function would transmit video/photo evidence and location data should the package be tampered with. Costs could come directly from amazon for design and application creation. If they simply use the post office for return of those devices and drop stations it would produce revenue, help fund the post office, reduce package loss and theft.
Looking at the number 120 million packages are gone, if the average price of a package is 20 dollars thats 120 million times 20.
2,400,000,000
2 and a half billion.

5

Amazon and WalMart both have solutions to prevent package theft. Both retailers if you sign up for their annual subscription service (aka Amazon Prime and WalMart+) offer “in garage” delivery. If you have a compatible Garage Door Opener, the delivery driver can open your garage door, leave the packages, and then close the garage door. You also have the option of a security camera to make sure the driver doesn’t remove anything from the garage.

I have the Amazon service (my Garage Door Opener is not currently compatible with WalMart’s) and other than a few times where they goofed up and didn’t put items in the garage it has been a good service, and the porch pirates don’t stand a chance.

A better solution for the Federal level is to make sure that package theft is a federal crime (I know tampering with the USPS mail is, but I don’t know about private delivery companies or deliveries that they have already made), and pursuit some of these perpetrators. Make them spend 5 years in a Federal Iron Bar Motel to think about if stealing that latest iPhone was worth it (and those actions will also discourage others from even trying knowing the risks if they get caught).

6

If that was effective there would not be 120 mill packages stolen per year.
Some of that may be effective but a on package locking system secures and protects every package.
There are many ways to enable this function but if the loss of revenue is 2.4 billion then engineering and enabling a system which would initially cost a fraction of that, and then continued use of it would create a massive reduction.

A high strength cable locking mechanism with a application for unlock with your phone for instance, the gps and micro photo/video system with the ability to transmit to HQ would generate both a signal and evidence, the package theft would and could potentially alert police. It could record evidence, and even track the package in real time.

Engineering and deployment of this system could be partnered with the post office and they return those devices, reducing overhead from the post office, increasing revenue of Amazon and creating a more secure system for consumers all at once.

Some system do work as you stated garage door ect. But not everyone has a garage, but they all purchase a package. Offering it to prime members in amazon for instance as a bonus would also encourage prime membership purchases as a ICING on the CAKE so to speak.

If you consider that average package stolen is approx 20 dollars. That is most likely the lowest end, it is most likely a consider larger amount. But if you consider 40 the high,
2.4 billion to 4.8 billion dollars.
That would be the range of revenue security provided.
If they cannot figure out the engineering, deployment with that kind of money in a single year Amazon should probably fire their lead developers.