Walmart has initiated drone delivery services in select locations in Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a move made in partnership with national drone services provider, DroneUp. The Walmart drone delivery services, which began with trial deliveries of COVID-19 at-home testing kits, are slated to expand to reach up to 4 million U.S. households in six states by the end of 2022. The service, if successful, aims to offer drone deliveries in 23 cities across the nation, allowing customers to order up to 10 pounds of eligible goods for delivery within 30 minutes. The drones, operated by certified pilots in line with FAA guidelines, will deliver packages to the safest locations at customers’ homes.
Walmart Launches Select Drone Delivery in Three States
From Washington Examiner By Steff Thomas, Engagement Editor & Producer
Introduction
Walmart launched drone delivery services for select customers in Orlando and Tampa, Florida, Phoenix, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, the company announced this week.
Partnership with DroneUp
The nation’s largest retailer has been working with DroneUp since the height of the coronavirus pandemic when the national drone services provider began trial deliveries of COVID-19 at-home testing kits.
Expanding Drone Delivery Program
Walmart announced in the summer that it would expand that program to reach up to 4 million U.S. households in Arizona, Texas, Florida, Utah, Virginia, and Arkansas by the end of 2022.
Details of the Drone Delivery Service
If successful, the drone deliveries will be available in 23 cities across the nation, according to the retailer. There are 34 planned drone sites, and customers will be able to order up to 10 pounds of eligible goods for drone delivery. The delivery should take place within 30 minutes, according to a press release.
DroneUp CEO’s Statement
DroneUp CEO Tom Walker said the company’s approach is “unique” and that its mission is to “set the gold standard for drone delivery.”
Delivery Process
The drones, powered by certified pilots that operate within FAA guidelines, drop off packages “to the safest location of the customer’s home,” the Walmart release said. These areas include the front yard, backyard, or driveway of customers’ homes, the company explained.
Testing and Future Plans
DroneUp posted Friday on social media that it had tested its delivery service at the Piedmont G.L.O.B.A.L. Academy in Dallas. Amazon also announced plans earlier this year to begin free drone deliveries.
Question & Answer
What locations have Walmart initiated drone delivery services in?
Walmart has initiated drone delivery services in select locations in Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
What is the goal of Walmart’s drone delivery services?
The service aims to offer drone deliveries in 23 cities across the nation, allowing customers to order up to 10 pounds of eligible goods for delivery within 30 minutes.
How many U.S. households are expected to be reached by Walmart’s drone delivery program by the end of 2022?
Walmart’s drone delivery program is expected to reach up to 4 million U.S. households in six states by the end of 2022.
Who operates the drones for Walmart’s delivery services?
The drones are operated by certified pilots in line with FAA guidelines.
