After ecommerce, Amazon and Flipkart are now locking horns in the logistics arena too. Following Ecom Express’ acquisition in 2025, remote pincode operations shrank and traditional 3PL pricing became more expensive. This is when the two marketplaces stepped in.
The Rationale: Both ecommerce giants already own a vast logistics network, which sits underutilised outside peak festive seasons. To maximise asset utility, the two are now monetising their existing warehouses, freight trucks and last-mile delivery fleets for external clients.
The B2B Weapon: Amazon launched its Amazon Supply Chain Services in May 2026, offering warehousing and fulfilment solutions to any commercial entity, irrespective of whether they sell on the platform. Simultaneously, Flipkart’s Ekart also secured big contracts, managing end-to-end heavy deliveries for IKEA, precision automotive component transport for Ather Energy, and retail operations for direct rivals like TataCliq and Nykaa.
With this, the two ecommerce players are offering everything under one roof, while making money from the infrastructure built over the years.
The Data Moat: Beyond revenue, the bigger advantage may be information. By managing end-to-end deliveries, Amazon and Ekart stand to gain visibility into regional demand, inventory flows and even competitor pricing patterns. True leverage, however, lies in platform lock-in – as brands use more services, switching becomes harder and more expensive.
Caution Ahead: But the model may not be frictionless. Flipkart’s and Amazon’s triple role as marketplace, seller and logistics provider could raise data exposure concerns. As such, they may need to prove they can give outside clients the same reliability they promise themselves. On top of this, peak-season priorities, sector-specific compliance and pricing pressure could all complicate the push.
So, can ecommerce giants reshape India’s logistics future? Let’s find out…
Essential for transporting food and medicines, India’s cold-chain network still relies heavily on diesel cooling systems that are expensive to run, environmentally damaging and often unreliable. Yotuh Energy is tackling this problem with its electric refrigeration systems.
The Cool Factor: Founded in 2022, Yotuh Energy builds zero-emission refrigeration units for cold-chain vehicles. Its battery-powered systems run independently of the engine, replacing diesel-based cooling with a cleaner and more efficient alternative.
Designed For Transit: The startup’s core innovation is its proprietary thermal storage technology, which helps retain cooling for longer periods and maintain stable temperatures even during multi-stop routes. This matters in real-world logistics, where repeated door openings and delivery delays can quickly compromise sensitive cargo.
The startup positions its offering as a solution that supports both cost savings and sustainability, two pressures increasingly shaping cold-chain operations in India.
What’s On The Horizon? Going forward, the startup now plans to scale production of its refrigeration units and deepen partnerships with commercial vehicle manufacturers. With the homegrown cold chain logistics market projected to become a $33 Bn opportunity by 2031, can Yotuh electrify India’s temperature-sensitive supply chains?
Having founded some of India’s most iconic startups and backing 309 ventures, Kunal Shah is now all set to lead WhatsApp globally. Here is the journey of the country’s most unconventional founder…
Source: Inc42 - Startups
