Russia's freight industry rebounds as AI and digital platforms reshape logistics

The freight industry in Russia is undergoing significant changes with a shift towards formalised operations and new verification rules. Demand for freight services has shown signs of recovery, with online platforms reporting improvements in several regions. Freight demand in Russia has rebounded after a sharp decline earlier this year. The drop in demand eased from 25.7% in April 2025 to just 5.8% in May 2025. Online platforms have noted rising activity in Moscow Oblast, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, and Tatarstan.

The industry is also moving away from manual search methods for freight services. A large portion of clients now use platforms like Avito to find carriers, with 52% of business clients and 47% of private customers relying on the service. Ratings, reviews, and responsiveness remain key factors for 27% and 26% of clients respectively.

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in logistics. Companies are using AI to automate repetitive tasks such as document processing and routine decision-making. Many firms are testing generative AI, though not all have adopted it systematically. The technology is now a daily part of operations for most in the sector.

Regulatory changes are also underway. A registry of freight forwarders is already active, and plans are in place to introduce a similar system for carriers. These steps aim to create a more structured and transparent industry. The freight market is stabilising, with demand recovering in key regions. Online platforms and AI tools are reshaping how services are sourced and managed. New registries for industry participants will further formalise operations and improve oversight.