Ideal Density for Out-of-Home Collection Points

The Baltics are among the most advanced regions in APM (automated parcel machine) delivery:

  • 0.77 parcels per person are delivered to APMs monthly.
  • 85+% prefer APM delivery over door-to-door.
  • Estonia boasts 7 separate APM networks for just 1.3 million people.


What stands out most is the density of collection points.

In my suburb of 6,504 residents, there are 7 parcel lockers with 1,236 compartments, meaning 

Interestingly, this suburb serves as a transit hub between Tallinn and nearby suburbs, which further boosts APM usage.

However, as a transit suburb, the commuting population expands to 22,984, with 15 APMs and 2,376 compartments in the wider county:

Transit hubs like this highlight how APM density supports both locals and commuters, ensuring efficient parcel delivery.

So what is the ideal density?

Is the ideal density 0.19 compartments per person or 0.10 compartments per person? The truth is, density alone isn’t enough.

Commuting patterns play a crucial role in planning OOH (out-of-home) delivery networks. Successful operators must analyze these patterns in detail to optimize service points.

For example, in my suburb, moving just 3 km toward Tallinn changes the equation significantly: additional APMs become accessible to both city residents commuting to suburbs and county commuters heading into the city. 

This highlights that:

Location planning is more than just population density or a fixed ratio like 1 APM per 10,000 people.

It must account for commuting routes and their characteristics.

Personally, I value APMs along my commute more than those close to my home. I don’t need an APM 300m away if one is conveniently located along my main travel route.

Operators must prioritize commute-aligned locations to meet customer needs and ensure efficient OOH delivery systems.