Autonomous Trucks Expected to Make Up Nearly 20% of Russia’s Road Freight by 2035

• May 14, 2026

The Russian government has outlined a vision for the country’s freight transport sector that includes a significant increase in the use of highly automated vehicles on its roads. According to an official transportation ministry announcement, nearly one in five trucks on Russian highways is expected to be autonomous by the year 2035.

Strategic Shift Toward Automated Freight Transport

This projection is part of a government-approved development concept aimed at expanding the operational market for highly automated transport systems (HATS) within Russia’s road freight industry. The plan addresses the integration of self-driving trucks into the logistics network, reflecting broader global trends toward automation in transportation.

The concept anticipates that by 2035, automated trucks will represent approximately 19% of the total volume of freight transported by road vehicles. This shift underscores a strategic emphasis on modernizing cargo transit while potentially enhancing efficiency and safety on the nation’s roadways.

The Ministry of Transport’s initiative includes monitoring technological advancements in vehicle automation, infrastructure adaptation, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the widespread adoption of autonomous trucks. As the share of self-driving freight vehicles grows, it is expected to impact the entire supply chain, from fleet management to delivery operations.

While specific details regarding implementation timelines, technologies in use, or economic impact remain undisclosed, the outlined goals mark a clear commitment to leveraging cutting-edge automation within Russia’s transportation sector. The adoption of autonomous trucks aligns with international movements toward smart logistics and digital transformation in freight services.

Overall, the government’s plan indicates a forward-looking approach to reshaping freight logistics through automation, positioning Russia to participate in the evolving landscape of transportation technology.

By 2035, autonomous trucks are projected to account for roughly 19% of road freight transport in Russia, according to a new government plan.