Abstract: A method for outbound shipment of packages directly from home or office includes the steps of registering a user, receiving authorization from the user to pay a shipping agent at least one fee incurred by the user, and receiving a notification from the shipping agent of the fee incurred by the user. The method further includes the steps of paying the fee directly to the shipping agent; and receiving reimbursement from the user for the payment of the fee to the shipping agent. The method further may include the steps of providing the user with a transfer device, and signaling the shipping agent to pick-up the package from the user. In addition, the package may be stored in the transfer device.

Abstract: Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus includes a plurality of storage devices, each having a door with a lock that is locked and unlocked in response to codes. A local lock controller is associated with each of the storage devices and includes an entry device for entering an access code that unlocks the lock when it is locked and a transaction code that locks the lock when it is unlocked. A central operations controller in communication with the local lock controllers is programmed to receive the access and transaction codes entered to each local lock controller, to create an access code for the lock of each storage device upon receiving a transaction code that locks the lock, and to output a notice of the access code to be used to unlock the lock of each storage device when it is locked.