Walmart to Offer Drone Delivery in 6 States

• Walmart has expanded its partnership with DroneUp. 
• By the end of the year, the retailer says it will offer drone delivery to customers in select markets in six states.
• More than 10,000 items — including fragile items like eggs — are available for drone delivery. 

Walmart will by the end of the year offer delivery to customers at select stores in six states: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Texas, Utah and Virginia. 

According to a Dec. 15 release, the retailer in December started offering drone delivery in the Dallas area, bringing the service to Texas for the first time. Eleven stores in the area fulfill drone delivery in the region, Walmart said. The retailer in May announced plans to expand its partnership with DroneUp to bring drone delivery to up to 4 million customers in the U.S. 

“Drone delivery makes it possible for our customers to shop those last-minute or forgotten items with ease, in a package that’s frankly really cool,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president of, innovation and automation at Walmart U.S., said in the release. “Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of. It may seem like a futuristic option, but it’s giving our customers what they’ve always wanted, and that’s time back to focus on what is most important to them.”

Walmart shoppers who live in a region where the service is available can place an order for drone delivery using the DroneUp website between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., the release said. More than 10,000 Walmart items are available to be delivered via drone, including fragile items, such as eggs. All items available are less than 10 pounds for a delivery fee of $3.99, and delivery can occur in as little as 30 minutes.