In today’s e-commerce landscape, speed and reliability have become key ingredients for success. As customer expectations continue to evolve, many shoppers now look for fast and dependable delivery. In response, Delta Cargo launched DeliverDirect, a transformative solution, purposely built for e-commerce small parcel shipping.
E-Commerce at the Speed of Flight
DeliverDirect, powered by SmartKargo, is the first full dock-to-door transportation offering of its kind from a U.S. passenger airline. It brings together Delta Air Lines’ expansive Domestic flight network of over 2,500 daily Delta domestic flights and SmartKargo’s advanced logistics technology to deliver what the industry has long needed: fast, predictable and transparent small parcel delivery without the overhead of warehouse-heavy infrastructure.
“With DeliverDirect, we are leveraging belly space on domestic flights within Delta's vast domestic network, which includes over 2,500 daily flights,” says Derreck Travers, Vice President of Business Development at SmartKargo.
By integrating directly into Delta’s passenger aircraft operations, DeliverDirect offers a variety of shipping options—from next day all the way to a more economical up to five-day delivery — covering key industries like apparel, eyewear, manufacturing and more. Shippers can track packages in real-time, send delivery notifications and even receive photo proof of delivery—all through a customizable digital platform.
An Answer to the Industry’s Growing Challenges
DeliverDirect continues to expand its reach despite rising labor expenses, inconsistent parcel volume, tariff implications and the burden of maintaining fixed infrastructure.
By using an asset-light model, DeliverDirect has mitigated the need for costly warehouse space, complicated pricing and accessorial fees. Instead, the service is built around a lean, airport-todoor model that scales with demand and remains resilient even amid economic headwinds.
“Small package shipping has always been on our radar,” says Jeffrey Elder, Head of Cargo Products at Delta Air Lines. “With DeliverDirect, we’re offering a transparent, dependable alternative that helps our customers navigate today’s shipping challenges with confidence.”
A Digital-First, Customer-Centric Solution
DeliverDirect is designed with the end customer in mind. With features like live package tracking—even in the air—automated alerts, and real-time visibility for both senders and receivers, the platform redefines how brands interact with their logistics providers.
Shippers can customize pickup schedules, configure notifications and access insights on delivery performance. SmartKargo’s technology backbone enables every package journey to be visible from induction to drop-off—ensuring a seamless and communicative experience.
And because DeliverDirect avoids complex pricing models, shippers are freed from the challenges of calculating cost by old ground standards. Instead, they benefit from a simplified pricing structure that promotes predictability with no accessorial fees and reduces back-office reconciliation.
A Smarter Way Forward
DeliverDirect offers a smarter, faster option for shippers who expect a delivery experience created with speed, cost control and flexibility in mind. DeliverDirect isn’t just an alternative to other delivery networks—it’s the future of small package shipping.
To learn more about DeliverDirect and how it can reshape your shipping strategy, visit Delta Cargo DeliverDirect.
