Truck-Drone Delivery Systems: Assessing Emerging Risks and Opportunities in Transportation Logistics

Truck-drone hybrid delivery systems are emerging as a promising solution to address the economic, operational, and environmental challenges of last-mile logistics. In this report, we provide a comprehensive analysis of their current state, strategic potential, and implementation roadmap. We begin by reviewing recent pilot programs and industrial models and highlighting strategic advantages such as faster delivery, reduced emissions, and improved cost efficiency. We then identify key operational, regulatory, and cybersecurity risks, from route optimization and fleet coordination to attack on drone sensors. Through a scenario-based modeling framework, we assess the cost and emissions performance of truck-only, drone-only, and truck-drone systems under various operational and regional conditions. Results show that truck-drone hybrids consistently outperform alternatives, with especially strong performance gains when trucks are retrofitted for multi-drone operations and fueled by low-emission sources. Finally, we outline a phased roadmap to bring truck-drone delivery from pilots to nationwide deployment. A skilled workforce for drone operations, maintenance, and cyber-physical security is essential for the successful implementation of this roadmap.