AI is Revolutionizing the Fight Against 'Porch Piracy'

Porch piracy, the act of stealing packages right off doorsteps, is rapidly becoming a concern for ecommerce sellers and buyers alike. With 260 million packages stolen last year, solutions are in demand. Big names in logistics, like UPS, are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to tackle this issue. Let's dive into how the ecommerce world is adapting to ensure secure deliveries.

Understanding the Scale of Porch Piracy

According to a study by Security.org, while the median value of a stolen package was only $50 in 2022, the sheer number of thefts accumulated to a significant amount. SafeWise reports a spike from 210 million to 260 million stolen packages in a year.

Delivery Defense by UPS Capital Insurance Agency

UPS's Innovative Answer: DeliveryDefense

UPS introduced its API for 'DeliveryDefense' in June, aiming to mitigate the risk of package theft. How does it work?

Uses historical delivery data.
Employs machine learning algorithms.
Assigns each delivery location a "delivery confidence score" ranging from one to 1,000.
A high score means the package will likely be delivered safely, while a low score might signal potential theft. Mark Robinson, the president of UPS Capital, highlighted that this system allows merchants to make informed decisions about their shipping methods.

How Other Logistic Giants are Countering Package Theft

While UPS is banking on AI, other logistic giants are employing their strategies:

DHL: Adopts a "signature-first" approach.
FedEx: Uses photo proofs for deliveries, offering customers options to manage their deliveries via FedEx Delivery Manager.
Amazon: Provides estimated delivery windows, photo-on-delivery, and even an innovative key-in-garage delivery option for eligible Prime members.

Though tech like Amazon's Ring doorbell cameras can provide evidence of theft, experts like Ben Stickle from Middle Tennessee State University argue they don't significantly deter theft. In fact, data from SafeWise suggests that cameras might not be as effective a deterrent as previously believed.

Recommendations for Ecommerce Sellers

As for the best prevention methods:

Protect your shipments with services like InsureShield Shipping Insurance to help your businesses avoid bearing the burden of managing claims and replacing lost items, resulting in wasted time and resources.
Requiring signatures where applicable.
Using secure delivery locations like lockboxes or locker systems.

Given the rising incidents of theft, investing in secure delivery methods is becoming crucial for ecommerce sellers.

Conclusion

The fight against porch piracy is multifaceted. While AI offers promising solutions, it's vital for ecommerce sellers to stay updated and flexible. As we head into peak shopping seasons, the security of package deliveries will be more important than ever. Tools like InsureShield package protection from UPS Capital, for example, help ensure the best shipping experience for customers but, it also protects your bottom line. As the landscape evolves, ecommerce sellers must adapt to ensure their products reach customers safely.

Article is written by Ryan Cramer - Head of Marketing & Growth at Frisbi

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Ryan Cramer - Head of Marketing and Growth at Frisbi