DoorDash and Wing Team Up for US Drone Delivery Starting with Wendy’s Orders

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 21 March 2024, 12:03 pm

DoorDash and Wing commenced their US drone delivery partnership in Christiansburg, Virginia, enabling chosen local customers to receive their ordered Wendy's food items unconventionally.

The venture builds on DoorDash and Wing's 2022 drone delivery trial program in Australia, which has subsequently extended to three Queensland regions with over 60 retailers. Notably, this is the first time Wing has integrated its drone delivery service into a different marketplace, as per a DoorDash media release.

More Efficient Delivery Service Across US

Senior Director of DoorDash Labs, Harrison Shih, expressed excitement about the company's decision to expand its cooperation with Wing into the US market and emphasized DoorDash's dedication to improving last-mile logistics with a comprehensive delivery platform.

"We're optimistic about the value drone delivery will bring to our platform as we work to offer more efficient, sustainable, and convenient delivery options for consumers," Shih remarked.

Wing Head of Partnerships Cosimo Leipold concurred with Shih, attributing the development of their DoorDash relationship in the US to the success of their drone delivery service in Australia.

Leipold highlighted Wing's commitment to provide delivery services to clients and partners equally, seeing this as a critical turning point in the development of drone delivery services in the United States.

"Wing has now made over 350,000 deliveries across three countries, and looking ahead, we are focused on providing a fast, affordable, and safe service to our partners so they can better serve their customers," he said.

Mattie Magdovitz, a DoorDash representative, gave further information about the Wendy's drone delivery service, per The Verge. The coverage region includes most residences within 2.5 miles of the specified Wendy's store in Christiansburg, located at 2355 N. Franklin Street.

Magdovitz noted that DoorDash drone delivery requires an open, unobstructed space with a diameter of two meters. Estimated delivery times range from 10 to 30 minutes, with drones traveling at around 65 mph.

While the majority of Wendy's menu items may be delivered by drone, certain combinations that exceed weight and volume constraints would require the use of another delivery method. If necessary, DoorDash will use several drones or conventional deliveries. Note that from Wednesday through Sunday, drone delivery is available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. ET.

Next-Level Delivery Service

With the help of this strategic alliance, DoorDash and Wing aim to provide merchants and customers with a cutting-edge delivery option that will enhance conventional delivery techniques. The service may boost platform order growth by delivering small, short-distance orders quickly and sustainably.

The launch of the trial program of Wendy's drone delivery in Christiansburg comes after Alphabet began experimenting with small-scale deliveries in the same region in 2019. Later this year, DoorDash plans to bring the test program to other cities in the United States, according to TechCrunch.

While DoorDash and Wing have been working together successfully in Australia since 2022, with over 60 merchants taking part in three areas in Queensland, this is Wing's first trial with DoorDash in the United States. However, Wing has established solid relationships with other major companies, such as Walgreens and Walmart.

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