Walmart launches plan for its first Charlotte drone delivery service. What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Walmart files commercial zoning for University City drone kiosk at N. Tryon.
- Project will install kiosk, battery generator and fencing; no permanent power.
- Drone operator Wing launched its first Charlotte service with DoorDash.
Walmart’s drone service could launch its first aerial delivery in Charlotte from the University City area.
Walmart recently submitted a commercial zoning review to the city of Charlotte for its store at 7735 N. Tryon St.
The project would install a kiosk, battery-powered generator and fencing in the parking lot for drone delivery operations, according to the filing. The kiosk will not have permanent power or plumbing.
In June, Walmart announced it would partner with drone operator Wing in Charlotte and four other cities as part of a nationwide expansion, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The service is expected to be available at many Walmart stores over the next year, the Palo Alto, California-based drone company said at the time.
Walmart has not disclosed how much it is investing in drone delivery operations.
Potential additional locations in Charlotte are being evaluated, and Walmart and Wing have begun engaging local government officials across the metro area as part of that process, Walmart spokeswoman Jennifer Chunn told The Charlotte Observer.
In total, Wing plans to expand service to an additional 100 Walmart stores. Walmart drone delivery service is currently available in Dallas, Texas and Bentonville, Arkansas, where Walmart is based.
Areas of expansion, along with Charlotte, are Houston; Tampa and Orlando, Florida; and Atlanta.
What to expect with Walmart drone delivery
Walmart items such as meals, groceries, household supplies and over-the-counter medicines may be delivered by drone, according to the company’s website. Items available for drone delivery are limited by weight and size.
Orders must weight 2.1 pounds or less, according to Walmart’s website. Packages must be small enough to fit into the specifically designed boxes used by the drones, such as meals, groceries, household supplies and over-the-counter medicines.
Drone deliveries can be made as fast as 30 minutes from order to launch to delivery, according to Walmart and Wings.
The drone delivery has a one-way range of 6 miles, and service areas vary, Wing said Wednesday. The service is free for Walmart+ members for a limited time, and $19.99 per delivery for non-members, according to Walmart’s website.
Customers can sign up on Wing’s website at wing.com/walmart to be notified when the service becomes available in their area.
Drone delivery in Charlotte
Walmart is the second company to partner with Wing in Charlotte.
The city’s first home delivery service by drone launched in May.
Working with DoorDash for deliveries, Wing’s lightweight, autonomous drones make deliveries within a 4-mile radius of The Arboretum shopping center off Providence Road. Behind fencing in the center’s parking lot off Providence Road is an 18-pad “nest” where the drones are stored, charged and take off.
Along with participating restaurants like Panera Bread, DashMart by Drone also is available offering drinks, snacks and medicine for drone delivery in as little as 15 minutes.
The list of 17 participating stores and restaurants through DoorDash includes Walmart.
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 10:01 AM.
