Originally Posted by 767pilot

It may be starting. I got a postcard in the mail from Costco last week saying that they were teaming with Google to start GoogleExpress with next day delivery. Maybe just an experiment in my area, maybe the race is on?

Edit, found this :

GOOGLE EXPRESS CONTACT US
About Google Express
Google Express is an online marketplace that connects shoppers with popular stores. You can get fast delivery of household items, apparel, electronics, pantry staples such as bread and cereal, and more. The service is available throughout the continental United States.

Depending on your area, delivery day availability and the retailer you’re shopping from, your order may arrive the same day you place your order, the following day, in 2 days or in 3 days.

Here's how it works:

Shop from an array of popular stores, all in one place
Add items to your cart
Choose a delivery day
Check out using Google Payments
We arrange for a delivery company to bring it to you
With a monthly or yearly Google Express membership, you can get fast and free delivery on eligible orders*
For non-members, delivery starts at $4.99 per store for eligible orders. Find out more about service costs.
You can also place voice orders with your Google Home device. Read more!
*Free delivery means no shipping & service fees. Eligible orders (a) meet store minimums before taxes & fees in select delivery areas, (b) exclude restricted items, and (c) are placed by someone with an active membership subject to terms. Pricing may change.

Originally Posted by G550Guy

Highly unlikely... as Google and Apple are all but abandoning driverless cars. The risk of a 60,000lb truck going off an exit ramp because the GPS data base wasn't updated to the latest DOT construction project... and killing 20 kids in a school bus, just isn't worth it.

Originally Posted by G550Guy

You bring up some valid points and concerns, but I would add that as market shares shrink, UPS and FDX will be the last to be affected severely. The first to go are the Kalitta's ABX Atlas type companies. And just like the airlines did, I would never rule out a merger of UPS with "insert whoever" if market shares/commerce and profits drove it.

Originally Posted by G550Guy

As for Prime Air, I have studied Amazon in depth for several years now. They are not immune to competition. If Walmart wanted to invest a Billion or two and truly market a .com shopping experience for their customers and include "free shipping"... Amazon stock would fall 10% overnight. This whole Prime Air experiment started because Amazon didn't want to pay us or FDX the rates we charged. Some brainchild accountant convinced their BOD they could start their own airline. Time will tell if it proves profitable for them.

Originally Posted by BoilerUP

Walmart bought jet.com a few months ago...

Originally Posted by FTFF

The point I was trying to make was that there is a huge amount of uncertainty anywhere you go nowadays and if there has been one platitude that has proven legit it's the one boiler posted: "Past results are not indicative of future performance."

Originally Posted by e6bpilot

Walmart is already offering free two day delivery on many items on their website (believe your order has to be over a certain amount, but there is no yearly membership) They also sell third party items on there just like Amazon. They also have free store pickup and a huge advantage in a pre existing logistics and ground transportation network.