Amazon Testing Drones For Same-Day Delivery
Monday, January 13, 2014 at 10:21AM 
One thing about same-day delivery is most retailers and shoppers like the fact that it is so convenient. The ease of the service is undeniable and online business sees the benefits of offering this level of service. Amazon is one retailer that offers same-day delivery and has over 40 order fulfillment centers to aid the service to spread easily in more US cities. Now, the retail giant is testing another way to make same-day delivery in the future even more convenient.
Internet Retailers recently reported that Amazon released new information that the retailer is testing its' first new delivery model using drones. The drones will be used to deliver only small packages to online shoppers. The drones will only deliver packages that are 5 pounds or less. It remains unsaid on whether this weight limit will increase, however, 86% of all Amazon orders meet the drone delivery criteria.
The service will be called Prime Air, which is identical to the Prime family called Amazon Prime. For a $79 yearly fee, online customers can subscribe to a yearly free shipping program. Amazon may offer with Prime Air a subscription along those lines as well. The service offering a subscription is yet to be made known with the drone testing still in process, however, same-day drone delivery will probably be very attractive for all customers worldwide.
Amazon made a statement relative to drone use for same-day delivery and the company appears to be very excited about the futuristic service. Amazon stated in the report, “The goal of this new delivery system is to get packages into customers' hands in 30 minutes or less using unmanned aerial vehicles. Putting Prime Air into commercial use will take some number of years and the [Federal Aviation Administration] rules and regulations.”
The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) did stated the drone same-day delivery will take same-day delivery stated within "several years" to create the rules, which will be drone deliveries like this. The agency also state it has tested "Unmanned Aircraft Systems roadmap" last month, discussing the requirements for us to enter national airspace", Agency administrator Michael Huerta stated in the report stating all deliveries will travel correctly. "It provides a five-year outlook and will have annual updates." 7,500 drones will being flying in the US within five years, which the first commercial drone was used for surveying this past September for a health project.
Amazon is having e-retailers guessing on what will be the next big trend. E-retailers, with large volume of orders to fulfill, will need a delivery system in place via partners such as a Same-Day Courier like A-1 Express. Until this service gets off the ground, e-retailers can call on the Portland Courier the provide superior delivery services and quick service implementation as well.
Reference: 12.2.13, Internet Retailer, Thad Reuter, Amazon.com dances with the drones
Reader Comments (1)
The offer of drones for same-day delivery is an exciting new development in this century. I look forward to seeing the day when this service begins. Speedy delivery acquires a whole new meaning. The $79 yearly fee is logical for this type of service.