Russia's freight industry rebounds with AI and digital transformation

The freight industry in Russia is undergoing significant changes as demand shifts and new technologies take hold. A decline in freight demand has slowed, while AI adoption and digital tools are reshaping operations for logistics companies. Freight demand in Russia has shown signs of recovery. The year-on-year decline eased from 25.7% in April 2025 to just 5.8% in May 2025. At the same time, demand has grown in key regions, including Moscow Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, and Tatarstan.

The industry is also moving towards a more structured operating model. Electronic waybills are now considered essential, and registries for freight forwarders and carriers are being introduced. This shift marks a departure from the traditional manual search for carriers.

AI is playing an increasingly important role in daily logistics operations. Generative AI is being widely tested, with companies focusing on automating repetitive tasks. Document processing and data verification are among the processes being streamlined to reduce manual work and speed up information handling. However, the main challenge remains clearly defining expected outcomes and implementing AI effectively.

Customer preferences are also evolving. A survey revealed that 27% of business clients prioritise ratings and reviews when choosing carriers. Another 26% value responsiveness and speed. Meanwhile, 52% of business clients and 47% of private customers use Avito to select freight services. The freight market is adopting digital solutions and formalised processes to improve efficiency. AI and electronic documentation are becoming standard, while demand trends vary across regions. Businesses and private customers are increasingly relying on online platforms and ratings to make decisions.