AZ, FL, and TX Walmart customers eligible for drone delivery service
DroneUp, Walmart’s drone delivery service, is now offering same-day delivery options to customers within one mile of participating stores in the greater Phoenix, Tampa, Orlando, and Dallas areas. Orders placed between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time. on the DroneUp Delivery website could be delivered straight to your door via a flying robot. It’s expected that by the end of 2022, this delivery option will be available in six states.
While these robots can carry up to ten pounds, they are also capable of delivering fragile goods, such as eggs. The delivery fee is $3.99 and there are no order minimums for those who use the service.
Advocates for drone delivery say that it has the potential to be a more efficient and cost-effective method of delivering goods, particularly in cases where traditional delivery methods are impractical or not cost-effective. Some of the potential benefits of drone delivery include:
Speed: Drones can travel much faster than vehicles, which can significantly reduce delivery times for small packages.
Cost: Drones are cheaper to operate than traditional delivery vehicles, which can lead to lower delivery costs for consumers.
Accessibility: Drones can access areas that are difficult or impossible for vehicles to reach, such as remote or isolated locations, or areas with difficult terrain.
Sustainability: Drones emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional delivery vehicles, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
Safety: Drones can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to delivery drivers, as they are not required to drive on roads or navigate through traffic.
Walmart’s recent success, driven by higher-income shoppers, might not last.