A method for operating electronic lockers for parcel deposit and collection and pick-up wherein a remote shipping system transmits to at least one mobile device via a long distance communication network data related to parcels to be handled by at least one electronic locker and wherein a user operates the at least one electronic locker with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication network without using a user interface of the at least one electronic locker and wherein the at least one electronic locker using the at least one mobile device via the short distance communication network transmits data related to parcels handling during the user operation of the at least one electronic locker.

A method for operating electronic lockers for parcel deposit and collection and pick-up wherein a remote shipping system transmits to at least one mobile device via a long distance communication network data related to parcels to be handled by at least one electronic locker and wherein a user operates the at least one electronic locker with the at least one mobile device via a short distance communication network without using a user interface of the at least one electronic locker and wherein the at least one electronic locker using the at least one mobile device via the short distance communication network transmits data related to parcels handling during the user operation of the at least one electronic locker.

An locker for storing equipment is disclosed. The locker includes at least one first member defining a storage space with an opening for a user to access the storage space, a second member adjacent to said at least one first member, and defining a first side of an open locker slot, and a door having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the door being shaped to enclose the opening of the storage space. The second portion of the door extending from the first portion of the door and being shaped to form a second side of the open locker slot. The door having an unlocked state and a locked state. The unlocked state provides access to the storage space and the open locker slot. In the locked state, secondary equipment is maintained in the storage space and equipment is maintained in the open locker slot.

A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit may be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit may be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

Computerized apparatus and methods useful for causing provision of location-based services to users via a user portable wireless computerized device or other device. In one embodiment, the user device establishes a secure communication session with a network server (e.g., proxy process for a service coordinator or provider) to provide user-specific location-based services such as a time-limited rental of a tangible object or space. In one variant, dynamic generation of a response to the user included providing image data relating to provision of the user-specific location-based service, the image data enabling the user to authenticate at least one aspect of the provision of the user-specific location-based service by the third party service provider.

Provided is a method for control of bailment inventory, comprising: a) receiving a customer identifier from a customer through pairing of a customer's electronic device and an electronic reader; b)communicating the identifier from the reader to a second electronic device; c) receiving from the customer at least one customer item for bailment; d) associating the customer identifier received in the second device with the at least one customer item; e) storing the at least one customer item; and f) returning the at least one customer item to the customer.

An apparatus for use with a rack of lockers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a key-facilitation server configured to cooperate with a locker server, and also configured to receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is also configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

An apparatus for use with a rack of lockers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a key-facilitation server configured to cooperate with a locker server, and also configured to receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is also configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

A parcel terminal system comprising one or more modules and a method are provided to allow fast loading of parcels on storage space of a parcel terminal.