Heavy-cargo drones for hub-to-hub freight logistics

The growing demand for efficient freight movement has renewed interest in using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), especially heavy-lift drones, within urban freight transport (UFT) networks. While drones are recognized for their numerous benefits, most research and commercial activity has centered on lightweight, business-to-consumer parcel delivery; the integration of heavy cargo drones for hub-to-hub freight between controlled logistics facilities remains largely unexplored. This study proposes an approach to support such integration by examining two key barriers: infrastructure and cost. Using cost modeling and Monte Carlo simulation, the study evaluates the economic and operational feasibility of a drone-based system relative to conventional trucking. A demonstration application on Hamilton International Airport shows that heavy-cargo drones involve higher annualized costs in the base case when capital investment is amortized, but lower recurring operating costs than trucks once upfront infrastructure and fleet investment are separated, offering actionable insights and recommendations for advancing heavy cargo drone logistics.