Russia’s freight shift: Trucks surge as rail transport struggles in 2025

Road freight in Russia has seen a sharp rise, with a 4.7% increase in September 2025 compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, rail freight has continued to decline, dropping by 6.8% in the first nine months of the year. The shift has raised concerns for Russian Railways (RZD), which now faces stronger competition from trucking companies.

The growth in road transport comes as some major shippers move goods away from rail. Metal product shipments, for example, have shifted significantly—rail’s share fell from 75% in 2018 to just 51% in the first five months of 2025. RZD suggests much of this road freight growth is driven by short-haul deliveries between warehouses rather than long-distance transport.

At the same time, the trucking industry has scaled back vehicle purchases. Around 2 million freight vehicles were returned to lessors in 2025, indicating financial strain or changing operational needs. RZD has also questioned the accuracy of road freight data, calling it unclear and poorly categorized by product type.

Despite these challenges, RZD reported a slight improvement in its own figures. October 2025 marked a modest uptick in loading volumes, following a positive trend from September. However, the broader decline in rail freight remains a concern, particularly as road transport continues to expand.

Further changes are on the horizon for road hauliers. The Ministry of Transport plans to phase out the 49% discount for users of the Platon toll system by February 2028, which could increase costs for trucking companies. The move may impact how freight is distributed between road and rail in the coming years.

The shift from rail to road freight has accelerated, with metal shipments leading the transition. RZD’s concerns about competition and data transparency highlight the growing pressure on the rail sector. As toll discounts for trucks are gradually removed, the balance between road and rail transport could face further adjustments in the near future.