Russia tests digital freight exchange to streamline chaotic logistics

Russia has started testing a new digital freight exchange platform. The service aims to connect shippers, carriers and logistics providers in one system. Avito launched the initiative, according to TASS reports. The Russian road freight market is worth several trillion rubles each year. Despite its size, most shipments are arranged on a spot basis. Payments and goods are exchanged immediately for each trip, with no fixed rates in advance.

Over 70% of shippers do not know the cost of transporting goods to a city until they start negotiating. Terms for each shipment are agreed separately, depending on supply and demand. Finding the right carrier can take up to three days, as shippers coordinate across multiple channels.

Currently, many shipments are organised through fragmented contacts. Shippers search for a carrier for each individual trip, while carriers look for suitable orders independently. The new platform seeks to streamline this process. The exchange could reduce the time spent negotiating and coordinating shipments. It may also provide more transparency in pricing for a market that largely operates without pre-set rates. The platform’s impact will depend on adoption by shippers and carriers across the country.