Walmart’s drone delivery service is now available for select customers in the Tampa and Orlando areas. According to the retailer, the new delivery option will be fulfilled from seven stores, making it easier for customers to grab those last-minute gifts.
This marks the first-time customers in Florida can take advantage of Walmart’s drone delivery, following the retailer’s announced plans to expand its DroneUp network to reach four million households across six states, including Florida.
From last-minute meal solutions to a package of Christmas cookies, Walmart has successfully executed thousands of same-day drone deliveries.
“Drone delivery makes it possible for our customers to easily shop those last-minute or forgotten items in a package that’s really cool. Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president of innovation & automation at Walmart U.S. “It may seem like a futuristic option. Still, it’s giving our customers what they’ve always wanted, and that’s time back to focus on what is most important to them.”
How it works:
Customers within a mile of a participating store can place orders through www.droneupdelivery.com between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. local time. Drones can deliver more than 10,000 eligible Walmart articles up to ten pounds, including fragile items like eggs, in as little as 30 minutes.
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Once the items are packaged and loaded into the drone, the order is delivered using a cable that gently lowers the package into the customer’s yard. There are no order minimums, and the delivery fee is $3.99. With the promo code FreeDeliveryFL, customers using drone delivery for the first time will have the delivery fee waived.
Drone delivery is now offered from these stores in Florida:
- Walmart Supercenter #2695
- 1450 Johns Lake Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
- Walmart Supercenter #5299
- 550 Us Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714
- Walmart Supercenter #994
- 8745 State Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34655
- Walmart Supercenter #941
- 2140 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico, FL 33596
- Walmart Supercenter #3347
- 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
- Walmart Supercenter #2740
- 19910 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647
- Walmart Supercenter #3463
- 1208 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511
In partnership with DroneUp, Walmart will offer drone delivery in five other states in addition to Florida by the end of the year, including Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. In total, there will be 34 stores making drone delivery available in 23 cities nationwide by year-end.
“Our mission is to set the gold standard for drone delivery and, by partnering with Walmart, bring the incredible benefits that drones offer to local communities, organizations, and businesses,” said Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp. “Our approach is unique; we practice safety above all else and incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Our strong relationship with the FAA has also been critical to our success as we build an infrastructure that supports growth and great career programs for operators now and in the future.”
DroneUp deliveries are powered by a team of certified pilots operating within FAA guidelines to manage flight operations safely. Deliveries will be made to the safest location of the customer’s home, such as in the front, backyard, or driveway.