The news about amazon.com’s large deliver drone prototype has recently hit the headlines. So what’s the big deal?

Drones for small package delivery is a tantalizing futuristic concept rich with possibilities for last mile delivery in very specific situations and circumstances.  The appeal for speed, freeing highways, reducing carbon emissions, and, most of all, customer service will continue to move drones forward, especially for light load packages.  We’re a last mile delivery company that services the southeastern US with one-day away or same day delivery of heavy or difficult to ship packages such as furniture, fixtures and equipment.

For example, I can see an e-commerce furniture seller or manufacturer eventually sending replacement hardware via drone to a customer but not a boxed sofa, desk, or set of kitchen cabinets.  The need for two-person, white glove delivery is likely here to stay… at least until the Star Trek transporter is widely available. “Beam it over Scotty!”

Over the next 20 years, I think drones will impact the small package delivery world.  Larger and heavier items will likely stay with last-mile delivery providers such as FASTMILE.

Lance Dearborn

CEO, FASTMILE Logistics & Delivery

PS: Amazon Prime Air’s clever ad featuring Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gears TV show fame adds a delightful touch to this flight of fantasy.