We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions in one place so check here if you there’s anything you want to know about Penn Parcel Box - and if you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to send us a query via the contact us page.

 

How it works

How does the Penn Parcel Box work?

The Penn Parcel Box uses a simple two-stage drop-and-lock design. A courier lifts the hatch, places the parcel inside and releases the handle. The hinged loading bay floor in the hatch swings down, the parcel slides into the locked compartment beneath, and the bay floor springs back ready for the next drop.

The one-way loading mechanism means parcels cannot be retrieved through the top hatch, so deliveries stay protected until collected with the key – whether you’re home or away.

Watch the Penn Parcel Box demo to see it in action.

 

How secure is it against parcel theft?

Very secure. The Penn Parcel Box is designed to prevent both visible doorstep theft and “fishing” attacks, where someone reaches in through the delivery hatch opening.

Once a parcel drops into the lower compartment, there is no route back through the hatch, so parcels stay securely stored until collected with the key.

 

Is it resistant to forced entry and tampering?

Yes. The body is powder-coated steel, which resists prying and tampering, and the lower compartment is held shut by a keyed lock.

For maximum security, we recommend bolting the box down through its four base anchor points so it cannot be lifted or carried away.

 

Why do I need a parcel box? How common is parcel theft?

Parcel theft and missed deliveries are increasingly common. A parcel box lets deliveries be made securely even when nobody is home – no redelivery slots, no depot trips, and no parcels left on the doorstep or with neighbours.

Penn Elcom’s Global Parcel Theft Report (2022) found that a third of people surveyed (33%) have had a parcel stolen or lost, and that more than a billion parcels went missing worldwide in a single year – with the steepest rises in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and the UAE.

 

Can it take letters and regular post as well as parcels?

Yes. The Penn Parcel Box takes standard letters and post through the same hatch as larger parcels.

 

Can it take several deliveries in the same day?

Yes. The loading mechanism automatically resets after each delivery, so different couriers can keep delivering throughout the day until the compartment reaches capacity.

Capacity is 95L on the PBX1, 248L on the PBX2 and 450L on the PBXL. Empty it when it is full and it is ready to go again.

 

What happens when it is full?

When the secure storage compartment is full, the box temporarily stops accepting deliveries. The loading floor needs clear space below to complete its swing. Simply empty the box and it is ready to receive deliveries again.

 

What if a parcel arrives damaged or incorrect?

The Penn Parcel Box keeps your deliveries secure and protected from weather, but the condition of what is inside the packages stays with the retailer and courier – exactly as with any home delivery.

If something turns up damaged or wrong, contact the retailer or courier directly with your order number and any photos of the problem.

 

Getting couriers to use it

Will couriers use my parcel box, and how do I set that up?

Yes. Any courier can use the Penn Parcel Box – there are no apps, codes or integrations required.

Consistent use comes down to telling couriers it is there and making it easy to spot. Set the box as your default safe place in your courier and retailer accounts, and add a clear instruction at checkout such as “Leave in the secure parcel box at the front door.”

Major carriers including Royal Mail, DPD and Evri all let you set this through their own delivery-preference settings.

The optional Delivery Placard (PBXWPB), a weather resistant sign fitted next to the box, is also available.

 

Choosing the right size

What size parcel box do I need? (PBX1 vs PBX2 vs PBXL)

Most homes are best served by the PBX1 or PBX2; the PBXL is built for offices, commercial sites and very high-volume households.

PBX1 (95L) – typical household delivery volumes: clothing, shoes, books and smaller orders.
•    Max parcel: 420 × 360 × 240 mm / 16.53 × 14.17 × 9.44"
•    External size: 525 × 1035 × 465 mm / 20.67 × 40.75 × 18.31"
•    Weight: 34 kg / 75 lb

PBX2 (248L) – busier or shared households, bulkier items, less frequent emptying, or days when several parcels arrive at once.
•    Max parcel: 600 × 500 × 340 mm / 23.62 × 19.69 × 13.39"
•    External size: 730 × 1310 × 745 mm / 28.7 × 51.5 × 29.3"
•    Weight: 52 kg / 115 lb

PBXL (450L) – the largest parcel box on the market, built for offices, communal buildings, commercial premises and homes with very large parcel volumes.
•    Max parcel: 1080 × 500 × 340 mm / 42.52 × 19.69 × 13.39"
•    External size: 1201.6 × 1301.5 × 806.7 mm / 47.3 × 51.2 × 31.8"
•    Weight: 105 kg / 231 lb

If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one – a full box risks couriers either taking it back to the depot or leaving it exposed on your front door. Max parcel size is the largest item that will pass through the entry hatch.

All three models share the same one-way drop-and-lock mechanism and powder-coated steel construction, so the choice comes down to capacity and the size of parcels you receive.

 

Is it suitable for flats, offices and commercial premises?

Yes. As well as houses, the range suits flats and apartment buildings, office entrances, communal properties, industrial and commercial sites. For multi-occupancy or higher-volume settings, the PBXL is recommended.

For specific commercial requirements, get in touch.

 

What colours are available?

Every model comes in black (RAL 9005). The PBX1 and PBX2 are also available in green (BS14C39).

 

Installation

Where should I put the Penn Parcel Box?

Install the Penn Parcel Box close to where deliveries normally arrive: porches, paths, driveways, gateposts, front gardens, side returns, courtyards, garages and covered entrances all work.

The two most important factors are visibility for couriers and enough clearance for the top hatch to open fully.

You can also watch our installation video.

 

Can it be installed indoors?

Yes. The Penn Parcel Box works indoors or out, on a flat concrete floor or a similarly solid surface. Indoor spots like porches, garages, lobbies and mailrooms need the same bolt-down fixing and hatch clearance as an outdoor install.

Solid surfaces such as paving, decking, tile and stone are usually fine, though the fixings may need adjusting. Soft ground, gravel, grass and soft tarmac are not suitable for mounting, but internal weights can be used instead of fixings – check with us first for anything non-standard.

 

Can I mount it against a wall, or build it into a fence or boundary?

The PBX1 and PBX2 are made for both. Each has a front access door for standalone use against a wall, and a rear access door so the parcel box can be built into a fence, wall or boundary – parcels go in from the outside and are collected from within the property line.

For a built-in install, the surrounding masonry or framing has to carry the unit’s weight (PBX1 34 kg, PBX2 52 kg) and give a solid base for the four-bolt floor fixing. The PBXL is not designed to be built in, given its size, weight and twin front-door layout.

 

Does the Penn Parcel Box need to be bolted down, and how is it fixed into position?

Bolting down is not essential but is strongly recommended for the most secure setup.

The box anchors to concrete or a similar solid surface using four sleeve anchors through pre-drilled holes in the base, and the fixing kit is supplied with the unit. Where drilling is not possible, the box can instead be weighted down with ballast placed in the lower compartment (ballast is not supplied).

The PBX1, PBX1GR, PBX2 and PBX2GR also include a non-load-bearing wall bracket that adds lateral steadiness against knocks and strong weather. It mounts at the rear, but the box still rests on the floor and bolts down through the base, so the bracket is not meant to hold the box up on its own. The PBXL does not include a bracket.

 

Can I move it once it is installed?

Yes. Bolt-down installs come undone by removing the four base anchors, and the pre-drilled holes let you refit the box elsewhere without specialist tools. The PBXL also has preinstalled castors with adjuster feet to make repositioning easier.

 

How long does installation take, and does it arrive assembled?

Every Penn Parcel Box arrives fully assembled, ready to install. A single person can usually fit one in under an hour. A full installation guide ships with the box.

 

Can you install the Penn Parcel Box for me?

An installation service is available in some UK regions, subject to location and team availability. Request it through our UK installation enquiry form, or for trade and multi-site rollouts, talk to us about scope and pricing.

 

Build, weather and care

What is the Penn Parcel Box made of, and where is it made?

Powder-coated steel, manufactured in the United Kingdom. The powder-coat finish is built for outdoor use.

 

How weather resistant is it?

The Penn Parcel Box is designed for permanent outdoor installation. A powder-coated finish, sealed access points and base drainage holes manage water exposure and prevent it pooling inside. The box is weather resistant and stands up to year-round UK conditions.

 

Does it need any maintenance?

Very little. An occasional wipe-down to clear dirt or salt build-up, plus a quick check that the hinges and lock move freely, keeps it working over years of outdoor use. For specific maintenance questions, contact us.

 

What warranty does the Penn Parcel Box have?

A two-year manufacturer’s warranty covering faults and defects in materials and workmanship. It excludes general wear and tear, cosmetic marks such as scratches and dents, damage from misuse or incorrect installation, vandalism, and extreme weather beyond normal conditions.

Get in touch before returning anything if you have a concern.

 

Keys, delivery and orders

How many keys come with the Penn Parcel Box, and can I get replacements?

Two keys per box as standard. Replacement keys, replacement locks and rekeying are all available – contact us with your unit details.

 

How is it delivered?

The Penn Parcel Box ships fully assembled on a pallet, protected with biodegradable inflatable air wrap and cardboard. Delivery is typically kerbside, so final positioning is down to the receiving site. The PBXL’s preinstalled castors and side handles help with manoeuvring once it is unpacked.

 

Is the Penn Parcel Box available for trade or volume orders?

Yes. For trade pricing, lead times and account setup, get in touch. Custom keying for multi-tenant sites, branded finishes and modified specifications are available, subject to minimum order quantities and lead times.

 

Can I customise it?

Yes. Options include custom keying for multi-tenant installations, branded finishes, alternative locking and modified specifications, all subject to MOQ and lead times. Get in touch to talk through what you need.