The parcel delivery service is constantly changing as customers need their parcels quickly. But with new delivery options such as drones making benefits as well as potential issues, this can make for a faster parcel delivery service. Here, we will be looking into whether or not it is a good idea to use drones in your delivery process.
They Speed Up Delivery Times
One of the biggest benefits that are associated with drones in the delivery process is the speed at which they can deliver parcels. Due to their being no restrictions on road traffic, this means parcels can be sent with ease in a much faster time frame. Amazon and their Drone prime service claim to take as little as 30 minutes to deliver your parcel to you. This is not only great for businesses in terms of sales, but it is great for the customer as they get their parcels much sooner than they would with a traditional delivery method.
Offer More Accurate Delivery Option
When you receive a parcel by a normal delivery method, there is always the possibility that it will be delivered to the wrong location. However, with the use of a QR code and a tracker on the drone, it will land in the back garden of the property with no issues. This is shown in the Prime Drone footage and is ideal for those living in the countryside. Simply place the marker outside the back door, and the drone will deliver your parcel as quickly as possible.
The Weight Restrictions
Though there are a number of benefits associated with the implementation of drone delivery, there are a number of downsides that come with it. One of the biggest drawbacks of this style of delivery is the weight restriction. At this time, drones are not advanced enough to carry items that are over a specific weight. This is problematic for a number of delivery companies as this style of delivery is not yet implemented. This potential issue is still a way off of being resolved as a number of technological advancements are being made to make larger and stronger drones to deliver items of all kinds.
Lack Of Jobs For Delivery Drivers
Another downside that comes from the implementation of drones in the delivery service is the risk to the existing jobs. With a number of delivery drivers already working for large companies such as Amazon, the risk of automation could put cheap courier companies out of a job. Though this is not for a little while, these advancements carry with them the reduction in jobs for positions. If this is the case, this could lead to large companies cutting jobs and investing the money in new technologies. This will often work out cheaper than paying a fleet of delivery drivers a monthly wage.
Technical Issues
Another potential issue that can arise is technical issues. Though drones may seem beneficial at first, technology such as this can go wrong. This can lead to downtime for the business and deliveries backing up. Therefore, many larger businesses are hesitant to fully make the switch to this automated delivery type. In addition to this, the price of the equipment and maintenance restricts it to use in big companies that have the budget to be able to afford the equipment. However, this could be set to change in the new year as smaller, more compact drones are being developed with significantly smaller price points.
Restrictions On Use Of Drones
Since the events at Gatwick airports involving drones in December of 2018, there have been a number of regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority surrounding the position, registration, and flight of drones and other unmanned aircraft. These regulations apply to aircraft that have a mass of 20Kg or less and are as follows:
- You are responsible for flying the aircraft in a safe manner
- You must keep it in direct sight
- It must not endanger anyone
- Cannot fly more than 400Ft from the surface
- Cannot fly in flight restriction zones
- You need a license for a drone weighing more than the allotted weight.
More Up To Date Parcel Tracking
Tracking is also a major part of the parcel delivery process. It can be made more accurate than ever through the use of a parcel delivery drone. A tracker fitted to the drone has a unique number sent to the customer. The recipient can follow their parcel up until it is delivered. This is great for those that need an item quickly or are looking to send a last-minute present to a loved one. The package can be with them within half an hour or less. Presently, this is a delivery type that is only available in a few areas,. This has the potential to be expanded to a number of other locations in the near future.
Faster Fulfilment Times
The final benefit that comes from drone delivery is faster fulfillment times for orders. With a number of drone delivery sites located near to fulfillment centers, the process is sped up. This is beneficial for the logistics industry as this can also positively impact customer retainment as well as a number of other processes that will make the business run more efficiently. This is highly beneficial for businesses of all sizes as it allows businesses to fulfill orders significantly faster. This can help your business to grow as well as aid in customer retention rates as a result of this.
With this in mind, there are a number of reasons why drones may benefit the parcel delivery industry. But there are also a number of setbacks that will come along with it. Will you be implementing this technology in your eCommerce business in the future?
Featured Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
