What is PUDO? Pick-Up Drop-Off Explained
PUDO stands for Pick-Up, Drop-Off — a last-mile delivery model where parcels are collected from, or returned to, a fixed network location (a smart locker or a partner store) instead of a customer's doorstep. In India, PUDO India operates this as a nationwide network of PUDO Points and Smart Lockers.
How does PUDO work?
- A shopper selects a nearby PUDO point as their delivery address at checkout, or a courier redirects an in-transit parcel there.
- The parcel is delivered to that PUDO point — a 24/7 smart locker or a staffed partner location — once, on the carrier's own schedule.
- The customer receives a notification with a pickup code or OTP.
- The customer collects (or drops off a return) whenever it's convenient, without needing to be home for a courier.
Why PUDO instead of home delivery?
Home delivery depends on the courier and the customer being available at the exact same moment — miss that window and the parcel gets re-attempted, adding cost and delay. PUDO decouples drop-off from pick-up:
- Fewer failed deliveries — no more missed couriers or repeat delivery attempts.
- Lower cost per parcel — one drop at a shared point instead of many individual doorstep runs.
- Flexible collection — pick up early morning, late night, or on a weekend, on your own time.
- Lower emissions — consolidated drops cut the number of delivery vehicle trips per neighbourhood.
PUDO in India
PUDO India runs a growing network of PUDO Points and Smart Lockers across Indian cities, giving e-commerce shoppers a pickup-and-drop-off alternative to home delivery, and giving online retailers and courier partners a way to cut last-mile delivery costs and improve first-attempt success rates.
Frequently asked questions
What does PUDO stand for?
PUDO stands for Pick-Up, Drop-Off. It describes both the model — collecting or returning a parcel at a fixed point instead of at your doorstep — and the physical locations themselves, called PUDO points.
How does PUDO work?
A customer chooses a PUDO point (a smart locker or a partner store) as their delivery address at checkout. When the parcel arrives, the customer gets a notification with a code or OTP, and can collect it from that point whenever it suits them — any time within the pickup window, not just when a courier happens to knock.
Is PUDO available in India?
Yes. PUDO India operates a nationwide network of PUDO Points and Smart Lockers across Indian cities, letting shoppers and e-commerce businesses use pickup and drop-off delivery instead of relying solely on home delivery.
How is PUDO different from home delivery?
Home delivery requires the courier and the customer to be available at the same moment, which causes missed deliveries and re-attempts. PUDO removes that constraint: the courier drops the parcel at the PUDO point on their schedule, and the customer collects it on theirs — reducing failed deliveries, cost per parcel, and delivery-related emissions.
Who uses PUDO points?
E-commerce shoppers use them to receive and return online orders. Online retailers and courier companies use PUDO networks like PUDO India's to cut last-mile delivery costs and improve first-attempt delivery success.