DoorDash announced that it is launching a new fast food delivery pilot program via drone in the US , in partnership with Alphabet 's Wing .
Those who live near the Wendy's at 2355 N. Franklin Street in Christianburg , Virginia, can get their favorite Baconator delivered by drone.
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According to The Verge, a DoorDash spokesperson said that the drone delivery area covers “ most homes within about 2.5 miles” of the Wendy’s in Christianburg (again, Hobby Lobby, not Cracker Barrel). However, the spokesperson stressed that drone delivery requires a clear space about two meters in diameter , where there are “no trees, buildings, or any other protruding objects.” Deliveries are expected to arrive to customers within 10 to 30 minutes of ordering , as they are carried by drones traveling at about 65 mph.
Most of Wendy's menu items can be delivered via drone, but "certain combinations of items" may "exceed volume and weight restrictions," so they may not be able to be delivered. However, DoorDash "will use up to three drones to deliver the order" if necessary. If the order can't be delivered that way, the company will send a delivery boy. The drone dasher is available from 10:30 a.m. ET to 4:30 a.m. ET, Wednesday through Sunday.
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DoorDash and Wing have been running a similar drone delivery program in Australia since 2022. According to DoorDash, the program now involves “ over 60 merchants ” in three locations in Queensland. Now, for the first time, Wing and DoorDash are testing it in the US .
DoorDash's main goal with this innovative delivery method is to speed up the delivery process. By using drones, the companyhopes to reduce the time customers wait to receive their order.
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Additionally, DoorDash believes that using drones to deliver products can help costs delivery. This is because drones can bypass traffic and deliver products directly to the customer's home, saving time and cost.
Finally, DoorDash sees this innovative delivery method as a way to differentiate itself from its competitors. By adding drone delivery to services , the company can offer something that not many other companies currently provide.
Source: www.theverge.com
