In a landscape increasingly defined by convenience and control, flexible delivery options are transforming the last mile. Among them, “Hold at Location” (HAL) services have rapidly gained popularity with consumers and retailers alike. By enabling packages to be held at designated pickup points—such as local stores, lockers, or partner retail locations—HAL is changing how people shop, receive, and manage deliveries in the United States.
Via.Delivery, a U.S.-based BOPA (Buy Online, Pickup Anywhere) logistics provider, is at the forefront of this shift. Their nationwide network of 36,000+ pickup points empowers eCommerce brands to offer “click-and-collect” options without owning brick-and-mortar real estate. For consumers seeking convenience, discretion, or package security, HAL represents a new standard in eCommerce flexibility.
Hold at Location services have become essential in the U.S. eCommerce landscape, driven by evolving consumer preferences and logistical challenges. According to a 2022 report by McKinsey, nearly 65% of online shoppers say they would choose alternative delivery options if offered—particularly if those options provide greater control or enhanced security.
HAL taps directly into this demand. Rather than having packages left at doorsteps—where they’re vulnerable to theft, weather, or missed deliveries—customers can collect orders at a nearby retail partner on their own schedule. It’s a model already proven in Europe, where pickup networks are deeply integrated into the eCommerce ecosystem.
In the U.S., via.Delivery is building the infrastructure to make that model scale. Their partnerships span convenience stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and independent retailers, creating dense urban and suburban coverage. This allows retailers to offer pickup options even in regions where they don’t have physical locations—extending their reach and reducing shipping costs.
For online retailers, integrating HAL doesn’t just improve the customer experience—it also strengthens unit economics.
Packages held at a fixed location can often be consolidated for delivery, lowering last-mile costs. Since delivery windows are more flexible, carriers avoid costly failed delivery attempts. Additionally, the reduction in package theft (a growing concern in urban areas) translates into fewer support claims and replacements.
Retailers using via.Delivery’s HAL service have reported improved delivery success rates, higher customer satisfaction, and fewer “Where is my order?” (WISMO) support tickets. From a branding standpoint, offering HAL as a checkout option sends a message: we understand your lifestyle, and we’re building for your convenience.
At its core, the process is simple:
Importantly, via.Delivery’s HAL option can be seamlessly integrated into existing eCommerce workflows. Merchants can either offer it natively at checkout or embed it as a third-party shipping option via APIs or plugins. For Shopify merchants, via.Delivery offers a direct integration that requires minimal setup and can be activated in under an hour.