How logistics startups are powering quick commerce with faster deliveries and tech innovations – Brand Wagon News

The services provided by these third-party startups include last-mile fleets, on-demand gig delivery, cold-chain capabilities, optimisation of delivery routes, advanced route optimisation, IoT-based real-time tracking and an automated communications suite.

Some have also started offering dark store operations, fulfilment centre operations, inventory management, order batching etc. Besides catering to 10-15 minute deliveries for quick commerce players such as Zepto, Blinkit and BBNow, they are also using their capabilities to cater to 30-60-minute deliveries for various brands.

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These B2B (business-to-business) startups are constantly innovating and fine-tuning their offerings for swift deliveries. For instance, Flipkart-backed Shadowfax offers an on-demand gig delivery network for quick commerce firms, where it offers workforce deployment on an hourly and per-order basis. While the hourly basis model is tailored to match fluctuating demand by placing people at dark stores in as low as 4-9 hour shifts as needed, per-order basis allows clients to manage sudden volume surges. It enables access to over 500,000 active gig workers and provides coverage across 100+ cities, particularly in regions where staffing is typically challenging.

Additionally, the startup provides EV as a service at lower delivery costs and an on-demand fleet to help brands mobilise additional resources during peak periods without overextending capacity in quieter times. “We have been serving the segment for over five years, starting right from the initial phases of experimentation. We work with every major quick commerce brand in India, including the ones launched recently,” Praharsh Chandra, CBO and co-founder, Shadowfax told FE.

In addition, the firm is expanding into dark store and fulfillment center operations, to provide end-to-end logistics solutions.

Quite similarly, Zypp Electric has been deploying the fleet across quick commerce players such as Zepto, Blinkit and BBNow in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai. According to sources, the firm caters to almost 15-20% of all quick commerce orders delivered in Delhi NCR. It is expanding to 4-5 more cities over the next 12 months to meet the growing demand. It also employs IOT-based real-time tracking to optimise delivery routes.

Technology is at the centre of these startups’ ability to provide swift, efficient deliveries. For instance, Shiprocket has employed advanced routing algorithms and automated rider allocation systems to ensure the fastest possible response times. “Our in-house tech allows for rider allocation within a few seconds, with pickups happening in minutes,” Gautam Kapoor, COO, Shiprocket said.

The logistics startups have also started servicing D2C startups, legacy brands and small businesses to help them tap into the quick delivery demand. Experts say this is a huge untapped opportunity for logistics players. For instance, Shiprocket recently launched Shiprocket Quick, a hyperlocal delivery solution designed to help small businesses fulfill their demand by providing fast delivery. It has also partnered with major players like Porter, Ola, Borzo, Rapido and Shadowfax for the same. Some of its clients include Ferns & Petals and Sardar Meat Shop. Many firms have also partnered with e-commerce enablement platforms such as Shopify, Woocommerce and Magento to offer quick deliveries for D2C brands.

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