4 ms·
Yup, this is basically it. It's impossible to compete with a truck that's fully loaded, but there are tons of short middle mile trips where trucks aren't fully
by joefigura 5y ago
Yup, this is basically it. It's impossible to compete with a truck that's fully loaded, but there are tons of short middle mile trips where trucks aren't fully loaded (LTL or less-than-truckload freight). This type of freight is surprisingly inefficient, particularly in low density areas.
- crote 5y agoIt's very easy to compete with a truck in some areas of Alaska: they simply aren't reachable by road! If freight has to be brought in either by boat or by plane, an autonomous blimp suddenly sounds like a great alternative.
- amelius 5y agoExcept if the weather conditions force you to delay the shipment.
- elihu 5y ago...which can happen with planes and boats too. Here's their take on the inherent tradeoffs of various transportation options in inclement weather: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28278843 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28278843