Walmart is set to push the drone delivery revolution forward by expanding its DroneUp delivery network to 34 sites by the end of the year. This expansion aims to provide potential coverage to 4 million U.S. households across six states, thereby enabling the delivery of over 1 million packages by drone annually. Customers can order from a wide range of eligible items between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for delivery within 30 minutes, for a fee of $3.99. The drone delivery service has seen a positive response from customers, who are using it not only for emergency items but also for its convenience. Walmart’s drone delivery hubs will have a team of certified pilots operating within FAA guidelines to ensure safe flight operations.
Introduction
From Walmart By
Expanding Delivery Options
We continue to expand our delivery operations to help customers get the items they need when they need them, and it’s been an exciting journey. From Express delivery, where customers can have items delivered to their doorsteps in as little as two hours, to InHome, where they can get those orders placed right into their refrigerators, we’re proud to offer customers multiple options that help them save time and money.
Drone Delivery Expansion
One solution we’ve been working on over the last year is delivery via drone. Today we’re announcing we’ll be expanding our DroneUp delivery network to 34 sites by the end the year, providing the potential to reach 4 million U.S. households across six states – Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Utah and Virginia. This provides us the ability to deliver over 1 million packages by drone in a year.
Ordering and Delivery Process
Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., customers will be able to order from tens of thousands of eligible items, such as Tylenol, diapers and hot dog buns, for delivery by air in as little as 30 minutes. For a delivery fee of $3.99, customers can order items totaling up to 10 pounds, so simply put, if it fits safely it flies.
Customer Response and Benefits
After completing hundreds of deliveries within a matter of months across our existing DroneUp hubs, we’ve seen firsthand how drones can offer customers a practical solution for getting certain items, fast. More importantly, we’ve seen a positive response from our customers that have used the service. In fact, while we initially thought customers would use the service for emergency items, we’re finding they use it for its sheer convenience, like a quick fix for a weeknight meal. Case in point: The top-selling item at one of our current hubs is Hamburger Helper.
Partnerships and Future Opportunities
Participating stores will house a DroneUp delivery hub inclusive of a team of certified pilots, operating within FAA guidelines, that safely manage flight operations for deliveries. Once a customer places an order, the item is fulfilled from the store, packaged, loaded into the drone and delivered right to their yard using a cable that gently lowers the package.
Community Impact and Innovation
Our founder Mr. Sam once said, “I have always been driven to buck the system, to innovate, to take things beyond where they’ve been.” We’re doing just that with drone technology, making it a feasible solution that we know customers and communities will enjoy.
Question & Answer
1. What is Walmart doing to push the drone delivery revolution forward?
Walmart is expanding its DroneUp delivery network to 34 sites by the end of the year, aiming to provide potential coverage to 4 million U.S. households across six states.
2. How many packages does Walmart plan to deliver annually through drone delivery?
Walmart plans to deliver over 1 million packages annually by drone through its expanded delivery network.
3. What is the delivery time frame for drone deliveries from Walmart?
Customers can order eligible items between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for delivery within 30 minutes by drone.
4. How much does Walmart charge for drone delivery service?
Walmart charges a fee of $3.99 for drone delivery service, allowing customers to order items totaling up to 10 pounds for delivery.
