Flipkart’s supply chain arm Ekart launches air, surface transportation service for MSMEs, brands

Flipkart’s supply chain arm Ekart launches air, surface transportation service for MSMEs, brands

On Monday, Ekart, the supply chain arm of Flipkart, announced the launch of its business-to-business (B2B) delivery and pick-up services for businesses across India. This service aims to cater to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including manufacturers, retailers, and brands from various industries.

Ekart’s B2B delivery service will be facilitated through a fleet of over 7,000 GPS-enabled trucks, providing businesses with efficient and reliable logistics solutions. The service will offer both air and surface modes of transportation, ensuring flexibility in goods movement.

For air transportation, Ekart will utilize 21 airports located in major Indian cities, allowing for swift and convenient delivery options. In addition, the company will leverage its extensive network of trucks to provide Full Truckload (FTL) and Part Truckload (PTL) services.

In FTL services, the entire truck is occupied by goods belonging to a single shipment, enabling the transportation of a large volume of goods from one location to another. On the other hand, PTL services involve partially loaded trucks, accommodating shipments with smaller quantities of goods.

By offering multiple goods movement alternatives and a wide coverage across major Indian cities, Ekart aims to streamline logistics for MSMEs and support their business operations. The introduction of these services reflects the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive and efficient supply chain solutions for businesses in India.

The availability of reliable and efficient logistics services is crucial for MSMEs, as it allows them to manage their inventory, meet customer demands, and expand their reach. Ekart’s B2B delivery and pick-up services have the potential to contribute significantly to the growth and development of MSMEs in India by enhancing their access to a well-structured supply chain network.

It is important for businesses to explore and understand the specific offerings, terms, and conditions of Ekart’s B2B logistics services, including any associated costs, to determine the suitability and benefits for their individual requirements.
As part of its business-to-business (B2B) delivery services, Ekart will provide surface transportation to businesses through 80 hubs located across the country. These hubs will serve as key points connecting major logistics corridors, enabling efficient and widespread coverage.

To support the surface transportation services, Ekart will utilize a fleet of closed-body container trucks equipped with digit lock technology. The use of closed-body containers ensures the safety and security of goods during transit. The digit lock technology provides an added layer of protection by digitally monitoring and controlling access to the containers.

The fleet of trucks will cover an average distance of 800 kilometres per truck per day nationwide, ensuring swift and reliable transportation for businesses. This extensive coverage allows Ekart to cater to the logistical needs of businesses across various regions of India.

By offering surface transportation services through a well-connected network of hubs and utilizing advanced technologies for enhanced security, Ekart aims to provide efficient and dependable logistics solutions to its B2B customers. The nationwide coverage and high daily mileage of the trucks contribute to the company’s commitment to timely and reliable delivery services for businesses.

Businesses utilizing Ekart’s surface transportation services can benefit from the convenience of a widespread network, efficient transportation of goods, and the assurance of secure handling during transit. The availability of such comprehensive logistics services can help MSMEs and other businesses streamline their supply chain operations and focus on their core activities.

It is important for businesses to assess their specific transportation requirements, understand the terms and conditions, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Ekart’s surface transportation services for their individual needs.

Mani Bhushan, the Chief Business Officer at Ekart, highlighted the benefits of the company’s B2B transportation solution and how it addresses common challenges faced by businesses in the logistics process.

One of the key issues addressed by Ekart’s B2B transportation solution is the presence of numerous intermediaries in the supply chain. By providing end-to-end delivery services, Ekart reduces the reliance on multiple intermediaries, streamlining the transportation process and ensuring greater efficiency.

Delivery delays are another concern that Ekart aims to address. With its extensive network of hubs and efficient fleet management, Ekart’s B2B transportation solution enables swift and timely movement of shipments across the country. This helps businesses avoid delays and maintain a reliable supply chain.

Consignment damage is a significant risk in the transportation of goods. Ekart’s closed-body container trucks with digit lock technology offer enhanced security and protection for goods during transit. By minimizing the chances of consignment damage, Ekart provides businesses with the confidence that their products will reach their destinations intact.

Shipment visibility is a crucial aspect of logistics operations. Ekart’s B2B transportation solution ensures transparency and visibility throughout the delivery process. Through advanced tracking systems and technology, businesses can monitor the movement of their shipments in real-time, gaining valuable insights and enabling better inventory management.

Furthermore, Ekart’s Air Express option provides a specialized service for the swift and reliable movement of critical shipments nationwide. This premium service is designed to meet the time-sensitive requirements of businesses, ensuring that urgent shipments reach their destinations promptly.

By simplifying B2B transportation and empowering businesses to focus on their core strengths, Ekart contributes to the overall growth and productivity of the economy. With its in-depth understanding of the value chain and commitment to customer satisfaction, Ekart aims to be a trusted partner for businesses in their logistics needs.
Through its comprehensive B2B transportation solution, Ekart addresses the pain points experienced by businesses, offering convenience, reliability, and efficiency in their logistics operations.

Ekart, with its extensive network of fulfilment and sortation centres, delivery hubs, and end-to-end supply chain management capabilities, plays a significant role in India’s e-commerce logistics market.

The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including distribution, aggregation of products, inventory management, and supply chain solutions. By providing end-to-end support, Ekart enables brands, platforms, and businesses to efficiently manage their supply chain operations and deliver a seamless customer experience.
With a vast network of fulfilment and sortation centres, Ekart is able to handle a large volume of packages. The company boasts thousands of delivery hubs and is capable of delivering over 120 million packages every month across all serviceable pin codes in India. This scale and reach make Ekart a trusted logistics partner for businesses operating in the e-commerce sector.

The e-commerce sector in India has been experiencing significant growth, and this has a direct impact on the logistics market. According to a report by RedSeer Strategy Consultants, the e-commerce logistics market in India recorded over 4 billion parcels in the financial year 2022-2023. The report further projects that this number will exceed 10 billion parcels by the financial year 2027-2028, highlighting the tremendous growth potential in the sector.

A notable trend within the e-commerce logistics market is the rise of the direct-to-customer (D2C) channel. D2C brands have witnessed strong growth across various channels, and they are expected to contribute to the overall growth of the sector. The report suggests that D2C brands are projected to drive a 35% growth in overall gross merchandise value (GMV) in the coming years.

With its robust infrastructure, efficient delivery network, and expertise in e-commerce logistics, Ekart is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand in the market. The company’s end-to-end supply chain solutions and focus on customer satisfaction make it an essential player in supporting the expansion of the e-commerce sector and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital marketplace.