Up to 50% of transit time is lost to downtime at border crossings (industry association data).
Instead of the standard 2–3 hours, vehicles stand for 2–3 days on several routes.
Return trip schedules are disrupted, and downstream logistics chain links suffer.
Why this is a systemic problem
Every hour of downtime means direct costs for the carrier: from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles per tractor unit with driver. With a 50% downtime share, trip profitability falls sharply, and during peak periods it drops to zero.
Key causes:
Different interpretations of documentation rules on adjacent sides of the border
Unstable performance of electronic queue systems and outdated IT infrastructure
Shortage of inspection staff amid growing freight traffic
Physical wear and tear of access roads and staging areas
Market estimates
According to calculations by ASMAP and «Business Russia», total carrier losses from border downtime in 2025 exceeded 12 billion rubles. At the same time, transit volume through Russia grew by 18%, while the throughput capacity of most crossings increased by only 2–3% – the gap is widening.
What industry participants are proposing
The logistics community sees a solution in a set of measures:
— Full transition to electronic advance information (EAI) without paper duplication;
— Harmonisation of requirements within the Customs Union and through bilateral agreements;
— Introduction of a «green corridor» for reliable carriers with a proven track record;
— Staff expansion and equipment modernisation at key crossings.
«When half of the transit time is spent at the border, delivery predictability becomes a luxury. This is not just about losses – it is about losing client trust and diverting cargo to alternative routes,» — notes a representative from a federal transport company.
Regulators’ position
The Ministry of Transport and the Federal Customs Service have been instructed to present a digital modernisation plan for the 15 most congested border crossings by June 2026. Compensation mechanisms for excess downtime are also being discussed – although the very concept of “standard” waiting time requires harmonisation.
What comes next
If the proposed measures are fully implemented, the industry could reduce time losses by 20–25%. However, the key factor is synchronisation with neighbouring states and real – not declarative – infrastructure upgrades.
The main question:will it be possible to close the gap between growing freight traffic and border throughput capacity before transit losses become permanently irremediable?