Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Last week, The Home Depot announced the launch the industry’s first real-time delivery tracker for big and bulky materials by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The feature will be available on The Home Depot’s mobile app and at homedepot.com and will provide minute-by-minute updates on deliveries, visibility into truck routes and estimated delivery times. The live tracking is powered by The Home Depot Driver Handheld application, which transmits real-time GPS data directly from the delivery truck.
Dee Walk, SVP enterprise delivery experience at The Home Depot, provided additional insights into the delivery tracker and its impact on the industry.
Hardware Retailing (HR): What are some examples of those large and bulky items that can now be tracked?
Dee Walk (DW): Some examples include a new refrigerator for a kitchen renovation or a full drywall and lumber order for pro customers. This technology empowers all customers, from DIYers to pros, with the confidence of knowing exactly when critical materials will arrive.
HR: Will customers be able to receive notifications to their phones with the tracking information or will they have to get into the app or on the website to see the minute-by-minute updates?
DW: Yes, customers will get notifications directly on their phones and won’t rely solely on the app or website. The system is designed for convenience. You can now track your order in real time through the app or website or receive a text when the driver is on the way. The goal is to provide a seamless experience, meaning you can go about your day without waiting by the door. We are continuing to work to deliver updates directly to your phone’s lock screen in the future.
HR: Will The Home Depot be tracking any analytics from the live tracking? If so, what will that data be used for?
DW: Everything we gather will focus on improving customer experience. Data from this feature helps make delivery services more reliable and efficient. By understanding delivery patterns, we can further optimize routes, ensuring faster deliveries and a smaller environmental footprint. Ultimately, it’s about learning to continually exceed customer expectations.
HR: How will the live tracking help remove friction from the last-mile process?
DW: The “last mile” is that final, critical step in getting an order to a customer’s home or job site, and it’s often the most complex part of the delivery journey. Our new live tracking feature removes the friction and uncertainty from that process. For our pro customers, it’s a gamechanger. Time is money, and knowing precisely when their materials will arrive helps them manage their crews and schedules more effectively and prevents costly downtime.
For all of The Home Depot’s customers, it removes the guesswork. You no longer have to wonder, “Where is my order?” You can see it on a map, all the way to your front door. This transparency builds trust and provides peace of mind, revolutionizing that final mile and turning it into a smooth and predictable experience for everyone.
