The digital transformation of the transport industry is fundamentally changing logistics in Russia. According to Andrey Nikitin, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, the widespread transition to electronic document management makes it possible to reduce delivery times several times and significantly reduce business costs.
The economic effect of the introduction of new technologies is already obvious. If the preparation and processing of a traditional paper document costs carriers up to 700 rubles, then the cost of its electronic counterpart does not exceed 15 rubles. However, the main advantage of digitalization is the radical acceleration of all processes. Domestic transportation, which previously took an average of a week, can now be completed in just three days. An even more impressive trend is observed in the field of international cargo transportation: the processing time for such shipments is reduced from 28 days to three.
To consolidate these efforts and create a unified information space, the Russian Ministry of Transport is actively developing the National Digital Transport and Logistics Platform (NCTLP). Electronic shipping documents will be a key element of this system. A pilot project for their implementation is already successfully operating, and starting next year, the use of such documents will become mandatory for all market participants. To date, 25 million digital documents have already been processed, and after the transition to the mandatory regime, their annual volume may reach 5 billion.
In addition to speed and economy, electronic document management solves fundamental problems of the industry, such as high transaction costs and insufficient transparency of processes. The digital footprint of each cargo allows you to see its movement in real time, which opens up opportunities for accurate route planning, efficient management of transport loading and prevention of downtime. The system also minimizes the risks of fraudulent activities, in particular value-added tax fraud and substitution of goods.
Another strategic direction is the integration of data from the ERA-GLONASS system. Combining information about the location and speed of a vehicle with electronic invoices will create a comprehensive monitoring system and, in the future, combine road, sea and rail transportation into a single logistics network.
Special attention is paid to speeding up procedures at the border. Thus, at one of the checkpoints on the border with Azerbaijan, a record figure was achieved in an experimental mode — checking one car takes only 10 minutes. The experience of the successful experiment is planned to be extended to other key checkpoints in the country.
Progress as a result of digitalization is already confirmed by official statistics. According to Rosavtodor, in 2025, the deadline for issuing permits for transportation decreased by more than 42%, and the number of documents issued by the agency within one working day increased by 86%.
