EXPORT AND LOGISTICS PROCESS MANAGEMENT TO RUSSIA – TURU LOGISTICS
1) THE IMPORTANCE OF TURKEY–RUSSIA TRADE
Trade between Turkey and Russia reached a strategic level in 2024, exceeding USD 65 billion. Turkey’s exports to Russia stand around USD 8.5 billion, with leading sectors including energy, food, chemicals, and machinery. Due to geopolitical positioning, energy corridor connections, and the development of alternative routes, this corridor has become increasingly critical for logistics operations.
The Russian market presents a complex structure requiring precise management for both large-volume cargo and small-scale partial shipments. Therefore, professional logistics planning, document management, and international regulatory expertise are essential.
At Turu Logistics, we provide integrated transportation solutions for the Turkey–Russia corridor through nearly 30 years of experience — covering road, air, and sea freight. From planning to customs clearance and in-country distribution across Russia, we offer end-to-end logistics support.
2) EXPORT PROCEDURES TO RUSSIA: DOCUMENTS, REGULATIONS, AND TAXATION
For exporters to Russia, proper documentation and declaration management are the most critical steps. Each shipment must include:
- Export declaration, invoice, and packing list
- Certificate of origin (ATR, EUR.1, etc.)
- HS code (GTIP) and compliance certificates
- Transport documents and insurance policy (mandatory for CIP/CIF terms)
The average customs tariff in Russia is 7.8%, which may rise up to 15% for finished goods and 20% for food products. Additionally, 20% VAT is levied on the customs value of imported goods.
At Turu Logistics, we provide expert consultancy in preparing export documentation, verify the accuracy of customs declarations and origin certificates, and accelerate clearance. Through digital archiving, clients can access all shipment documents instantly.
3) PARTIAL AND FULL TRUCKLOAD TRANSPORT MODELS
Freight transport to Russia is planned according to operational capacity and delivery time objectives — mainly under two models: Partial (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL). Each model has distinct operational requirements, cost structures, and route management techniques.
A) PARTIAL TRANSPORT (LTL – LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD)
LTL transport combines cargo from different exporters within the same vehicle — ideal for shipments that do not fill a full truck.
Key Operational Features:
- Consolidation Management:
Cargo collected from Istanbul, Mersin, and Izmir consolidation centers; grouped by product type, delivery location, and schedule. - Capacity Optimization:
Volume–weight balance calculated (1 m³ = 333 kg), maximizing truck utilization. - Load Securing:
Use of straps, pads, and barriers for fragile, refrigerated, or ADR cargo. - Scheduling:
Fixed weekly departures; vehicles dispatched upon target fill rate. - Documentation Compliance:
Separate export declarations per shipment; consolidated truck manifest generated automatically.
Advantages:
- Cost efficiency for smaller loads
- Scheduled weekly departures
- Environmentally friendly (high truck load factor)
- Reduced storage and transport costs
B) FULL TRUCKLOAD TRANSPORT (FTL – FULL TRUCK LOAD)
FTL involves dedicating the entire truck to one customer’s cargo — ideal for large, time-sensitive, or special shipments.
Key Features:
- Transit Time:
15–17 days on average, depending on border crossings (Georgia or Belarus), weather, and permit status. - Vehicle Types:
Tautliner, mega-truck (100 m³), reefer, lowbed, or panelvan depending on cargo needs. - Security & Insurance:
GPS tracking, temperature control, TIR carnet, and CMR insurance coverage. - Monitoring:
Real-time tracking, ETA reporting, and digital POD (Proof of Delivery).
Advantages:
- Shorter delivery time (non-stop transport)
- Full control over route and vehicle
- Maximum safety for sensitive cargo
- Reduced customs/border delays
Turu Logistics Solutions Include:
- Weekly scheduled LTL departures
- Dedicated FTL planning for high-volume shipments
- Intermodal (road–sea–air) transport alternatives
- Digital shipment monitoring and reporting
4) TRANSPORT ROUTES AND LOGISTICS ALTERNATIVES
The Turkey–Russia logistics network offers multiple transport corridors shaped by geopolitics, weather, and cargo type. Main modes: road, sea, and air, with intermodal transport gaining traction.
ROAD ROUTES
Most Turkey–Russia shipments move by road due to flexibility and transit time advantages.
Main Corridors:
- Via Georgia (Sarp–Tbilisi–Vladikavkaz):
Most active route; average transit 7–10 days. - Via Belarus (Kapıkule–Poland–Belarus–Russia):
Preferred for EU-origin goods; transit 10–14 days. - Via Azerbaijan–Caspian (Middle Corridor):
Alternative route through Kazakhstan to Russia; used in high-risk geopolitical periods.
Operational Notes:
- Winter delays possible in Caucasus due to snow/ice.
- Permit (Dozvola) limitations may cause border queues.
- Fuel and route safety planning required.
SEA ROUTES
Sea transport is cost-effective for large-volume or containerized cargo.
Main Ports:
- Novorossiysk: main hub for LCL exports from Turkey (5–7 days).
- Petersburg: suitable for Northern Russia; connects via Europe.
- Temryuk & Tuapse: for project/infrastructure cargo to Southern Russia.
Advantages:
- Low-cost container-based shipping
- Centralized customs clearance at ports
- Weather-resilient with fixed sailing schedules
AIR ROUTES
Ideal for time-critical or high-value cargo.
Main departure: Istanbul Airport; main destinations: Moscow (VKO, SVO, DME) and St. Petersburg (LED).
Specs:
- Transit: 1–3 days
- Best for: medical, automotive, electronics, samples
- Advance booking required due to limited space
Advantages:
- Fastest delivery mode
- Pre-declaration facilitation for customs
- Ideal for temperature-controlled and fragile goods
INTERMODAL & COMBINED TRANSPORT
Used when road permits (Dozvola) or border restrictions apply.
Typical models:
- Road + Sea (Ro-Ro)
- Road + Air
Example:
Istanbul → Novorossiysk (Ro-Ro) → Moscow (road distribution)
Turu Logistics Services:
- Multi-route planning via Georgia, Belarus, or sea
- Ro-Ro based intermodal transport
- Novorossiysk, St. Petersburg, Moscow combined deliveries
- Winter route alternatives and continuous digital tracking
5) RO-RO TRANSPORTATION AND ITS ADVANTAGES
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) is a multimodal system where trucks drive directly onto vessels.
Used extensively on the Black Sea corridor, offering major time and fuel savings.
Operational Flow:
- Vehicle entry & weighing at port
- Roll-On loading via ship ramp
- Secured onboard transport
- Roll-Off unloading at destination port
- Road delivery to final location (e.g., Moscow, Rostov)
Main Ports:
- Departures: Istanbul, Samsun, Karasu
- Arrivals: Novorossiysk, Kavkaz, Temryuk
Transit Time: 36–48 hours (saving 3–5 days vs. road)
Advantages:
- Operational: Shorter transit, no permit/border delays, reduced wear
- Regulatory: Simplified customs, ADR compliance, driver convenience
- Economic & Environmental: Lower emissions (–60% CO₂), cost efficiency
Typical Cargo Types:
| Cargo Type | Suitability | Special Requirement |
| Refrigerated (Frigo) | ✅ | Electric cooling connection |
| ADR (Hazardous) | ✅ | IMO-certified deck area |
| Textile & packaged goods | ✅ | Humidity protection |
| Machinery & heavy equipment | ✅ | Lowbed support |
| Electronics | ⚠️ | Anti-vibration securing |
Turu Logistics Ro-Ro Services:
- Weekly Karasu–Novorossiysk departures
- Slot-guaranteed LTL/FTL reservations
- Frigo, ADR, and project cargo handling
- Port customs, CMR, and digital manifest management
- Inland distribution to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan
6) RESTRICTED GOODS VIA GEORGIA–RUSSIA ROUTE
Due to political and technical constraints, certain goods (military, dual-use, chemicals, sensitive tech) face restrictions via the Georgia–Russia corridor.
Alternative routes (e.g., sea or Belarus transit) should be used, and each product’s HS code and transport license must be verified.
Turu Logistics monitors restrictions daily and ensures timely alternative routing to prevent delays.
7) SANCTIONED GOODS & RISK MANAGEMENT
Due to ongoing international sanctions, certain goods require export licenses or are prohibited for Russia. These include high-tech components, electronics, defense equipment, and chemicals.
Incorrect declarations or concealment of origin can lead to severe penalties.
Turu Logistics ensures full compliance with sanction laws and provides risk-based export consultancy, managing licenses and clearances on behalf of clients.
8) WHAT IS “DOZVOLA”? PERMITS AND QUOTAS IN RUSSIA TRANSPORT
A Dozvola is an international transport permit allowing carriers to enter certain countries. Each Turkish truck entering Russia requires one.
Limited Dozvola quotas can delay shipments and increase costs — making permit management a key planning factor.
Turu Logistics continuously monitors Dozvola availability, ensuring timely permit issuance and uninterrupted operations.
9) REGULAR WEEKLY DEPARTURES – ROAD, AIR, AND SEA
Consistency and scheduling are vital for exporters. Regular weekly departures allow shipments to move without delay, minimizing stock costs.
Turu Logistics offers:
- Road: Weekly LTL departures from Istanbul, Izmir, and Mersin
- Air: Express cargo from Istanbul Airport
- Sea: LCL container service to Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg
All shipments are tracked in real time via GPS-based systems, with live updates and transparent reporting to clients.
10) CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXPORTERS
The Russian market offers vast trade potential but also complex logistics and regulatory challenges. Success requires precise planning, documentation, route selection, and a reliable logistics partner.
Key Recommendations:
- Verify each product’s HS code and export eligibility
- Seek expert consultancy for restricted/sanctioned goods
- Plan Dozvola and permit usage in advance
- Use weekly LTL schedules for cost efficiency
- Optimize with multimodal options like Ro-Ro
At Turu Logistics, we provide end-to-end export logistics, customs, and consultancy services for Turkey–Russia trade.
With weekly regular services, digital tracking, and a strong in-country network, we deliver your cargo safely, efficiently, and in full compliance.
Let’s make your Russia trade secure and sustainable. 🌍
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