According to Izvestia, Russia is facing a potential truck shortage as a sharp uptick in recycling collection coincides with steep rental costs, prompting the Dealers and Transporters Association to appeal to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The appeal highlights growing bottlenecks in the heavy vehicle sector that affect logistics nationwide and have implications for fleets, manufacturers, and suppliers across the economy. This development comes at a time when many operators are weighing how best to secure reliable transport amid fluctuating prices and supply constraints, a concern that resonates with fleet managers and logistics planners beyond Russia’s borders.
Data cited indicate that since October 1, recycling rates for trucks weighing 12 to 20 tons have surged by 70 to 85 percent. In this climate, the price of truck tractors has risen by roughly 12 percent on average, reaching about 9.8 million rubles. Meanwhile, the overall disruption cost associated with the tighter supply chain has been estimated at 20 million rubles. The combination of heightened recycling activity and scarce new units has tightened market access and driven up costs for operators who rely on timely deliveries and dependable equipment across sectors such as construction, mining, and freight forwarding.
Alexander Strochkov, director of foreign economic activity at Sinoway Group, explains that prohibitive measures implemented to encourage localization of truck assembly within the Russian Federation produced an unforeseen outcome. He notes that both Chinese and Russian vehicles have become less usable in some segments, complicating procurement for fleets that previously depended on a straightforward, predictable supply. The commentary suggests that policy steps intended to spur domestic production without broader supply chain alignment can disrupt compatibility and availability, prompting operators to reassess supplier mixes and maintenance planning in the near term.
Industry estimates indicate that bonded truck reserves in Russia will be adequate to meet demand through the end of the year. After that point, however, prices for virtually all equipment are expected to rise again, signaling a need for fleets to plan ahead and consider alternative sourcing strategies. The forecast places renewed emphasis on inventory management, financing approaches, and the potential appeal of newer, more efficient models as markets recalibrate to evolving policy and market conditions.
In the last week of September, Russia reported a record level of new car sales since 2022, totaling 41.6 thousand vehicles. This surge underscores continued demand within the passenger segment even as financing terms and loan risk remain a concern for many buyers. The broader implication for buyers and fleets alike is a reminder that consumer credit policies and vehicle procurement decisions can influence not only retail sales but also the dynamics of commercial vehicle markets in the near term.
Russians have also been cautioned about hidden dangers associated with car loans, a warning that echoes across the consumer and commercial sectors. As fleets and individual buyers navigate financing options, the interplay between loan risk, vehicle depreciation, and maintenance costs continues to shape decisions around ownership, leasing, and replacement cycles. Observers in Canada and the United States watching global supply chains note how shifts in one market can ripple into others, influencing pricing, availability, and strategic planning for cross-border operators.