Ecom Express vs Ekart: Who Wins as the Top Ecommerce Courier Partner?

Efficient logistics have become the foundation of every successful online store. A reliable courier partner can make or break the post-purchase experience for customers, affecting both satisfaction and retention. In India’s rapidly growing logistics space, Ecom Express and Ekart are two of the most frequently chosen courier services by eCommerce sellers.

But while both names are well-known, the real challenge is in choosing one that actually supports business growth, particularly for small and mid-sized merchants. This article will compare Ecom Express vs Ekart across several key criteria: service coverage, speed, reliability, pricing, tracking, technology, and customer support. We’ll also outline the practical hurdles faced when relying solely on a single courier service, and how using a multi-courier aggregator like Shipway can solve these issues effectively.

Overview of Ecom Express

Founded in 2012, Ecom Express was built with a singular focus—serving the logistics needs of India’s booming eCommerce sector. It has since grown to cover over 27,000 PIN codes and is often chosen by platforms like Amazon, Snapdeal, and small D2C brands.

Key Service Areas

• End-to-end logistics (pickup, warehousing, shipping, last-mile delivery)
• Reverse logistics support
• Cash-on-delivery (COD) processing
• Rural network access

Ecom Express is known for reaching remote locations with better regularity than many other private players. This has positioned them as a go-to option for sellers looking to serve Tier II, III, and IV cities.

Overview of Ekart

Ekart started as the in-house logistics arm of Flipkart and was later spun out to operate independently. Despite this, a large percentage of Ekart volume still comes from Flipkart shipments.

Key Service Areas

• Delivery support for Flipkart and third-party platforms
• Quick and scheduled deliveries in select metro areas
• Reverse logistics and returns
• Warehouse and fulfillment solutions

Ekart’s strength lies in metro and urban coverage, as well as time-bound delivery in areas where Flipkart demand is high. Their reverse pickup infrastructure is also reasonably dependable in core zones.

Performance Comparison: Ecom Express vs Ekart

1. Reach and Serviceable PIN Codes

Ecom Express covers more than 27,000 PIN codes. Strong presence in remote and non-metro regions. 

While Ekart is limited to approximately 8,000–10,000 PIN codes with a stronger concentration in cities and semi-urban hubs.

Verdict: Ecom Express provides broader national coverage, especially important if your business receives orders from smaller towns or rural customers.

2. Speed of Delivery

Ecom Express’s standard delivery times range between 3–5 days for non-metro shipments. In metros, delivery often happens within 2–3 days.

Ekart is often faster in metros and Tier I locations. For Flipkart sellers, same-day or next-day options may be available. For others, 2–5 days is typical.

Verdict: Ekart performs well in speed, but mostly within metros. Ecom Express is more consistent across India.

3. Order Tracking & Visibility

Both Ecom Express and Ekart offer tracking through their web portals and APIs. However, users have reported frequent delays or incomplete scan updates on Ecom Express, especially for rural deliveries.

Ekart’s tracking tends to reflect more real-time activity for Flipkart orders. For external merchants, the tracking experience may vary.

Verdict: Neither platform provides consistently accurate live tracking for third-party sellers. Gaps in scan events and delayed updates are common issues across both.

4. Delivery Accuracy and RTO Rates

Ecom Express has a higher record of failed deliveries and Return to Origin (RTO) incidents in areas with limited reach or a lack of last-mile delivery partners.

Ekart, particularly for non-Flipkart sellers, sometimes gives lower priority to their shipments, resulting in missed or late deliveries.

Verdict: Both providers face delivery failures depending on region and volume. RTOs significantly hurt margins, and neither service offers full control over reducing them.

5. Pricing and Hidden Charges

Ecom Express pricing tends to be transparent, though surcharges for remote area deliveries and COD remittance delays may apply.

Ekart is known to offer subsidized rates to Flipkart sellers but charges higher fees to third-party clients. There’s also less flexibility in negotiating terms for smaller sellers.

Verdict: Pricing varies based on volume, but smaller businesses often feel limited when dealing directly with either.

6. Customer Support and Resolution

When things go wrong due to delays, RTOs, or stuck shipments, getting responsive customer support becomes vital.

Ecom Express often requires multiple follow-ups, with resolution windows ranging from 3–7 days. Ekart’s support portal provides limited access for third-party sellers, and most support is routed through Flipkart channels.

Verdict: Support from both carriers leaves much to be desired, especially for small or mid-sized clients without enterprise contracts.

The Smarter Choice: Shipway as a Multi-Courier Shipping Solution

Rather than committing to a single courier and dealing with its limitations, thousands of Indian sellers now use Shipway, a powerful shipping aggregator designed to simplify and improve the entire shipping process.

Why Shipway Works Better for Small Businesses

1. Access to Multiple Courier Services – Instantly compare delivery times, reach, and costs across major courier partners, including Ecom Express, Ekart, Delhivery, XpressBees, and more.
   
2. Faster Order Fulfillment – Use intelligent courier allocation to choose the best-performing courier based on region and delivery success rate.
3. Lower Shipping Costs – Negotiate better rates and avoid paying high fees to one courier. Shipway pools large shipment volumes to get better prices for everyone.
4. Real-Time Tracking and Alerts – Give customers a branded tracking page and automatic delivery updates via email or SMS. Cut down on support queries.
5. Easy Integration With Online Stores – Whether you’re selling through Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon, Shipway connects with your platform in a few clicks.
6. Fast Support When You Need It – Responsive support teams help resolve issues faster, something that standalone courier services often fail to do for smaller sellers.

So, get the benefits of both the courier partners and start shipping with Shipway today. 

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