Trucking News · Multi-state · November 9, 2026

Truckers: Walmart Plans Nationwide Zipline Drone Expansion

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Image caption: Illustration: AI-generated illustration, not a photo of the people, vehicles or places in this story. It shows a generic semi at a distribution dock.

FreightWaves reports that Walmart plans to take drone delivery with Zipline nationwide after Zipline raised $1.5 billion. Walmart says it has completed more than 2 million drone deliveries since 2021, with some orders arriving in as little as 30 minutes. Zipline drones are described as hovering about 330 feet up while a tether lowers the order.

Walmart says 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of one of its stores. A Walmart spokeswoman said there is no timeline or list of new areas for the Zipline expansion in the cited account. Trucks still stock the stores that feed aerial last-mile drops.

Supplement, not a linehaul replacement

Drone delivery is framed as a store-to-home option alongside ground delivery. The funding round values Zipline at $21.5 billion in the company's description. Drones carry single orders from stores, while trucks still haul the freight that stocks those stores.

FAQ

Did Walmart publish a city-by-city Zipline schedule?

No. The cited account says no timeline or area list was given.

How many drone deliveries does Walmart claim since 2021?

More than 2 million.

Would you accept a tethered drone drop for household essentials, or do you want a person at the door?

Sources: freightwaves.com.

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