FORMATION OF A SYSTEM OF FACTORS DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF TARIFF RATES FOR FREIGHT RAIL TRANSPORTATION

Abstract

The reform of the railway sector of the Russian economy necessitates the modernization of approaches to determining tariff policy for freight transportation by rail. It requires the development of new principles and methodologies for the formation of freight tariffs, taking into account environmental factors and conditions that determine the changes taking place in the field of freight transportation by rail.

Currently, the railway industry is experiencing an era of change, characterized by the restructuring of cargo movement, the transformation of links between logistics agents, the segmentation of the global transportation market, the emergence of new companies and the redistribution of functions of former participants in supply chains. These changes are caused by a variety of circumstances, including the pandemic, sanctions, military conflicts and the digitalization of the industry. They have an impact not only on the economic condition of individual countries, but also on the global economy as a whole, as well as on the political situation, the social sphere, the transport sector, the environmental situation and other elements of society.

Existing tariff models, often based on outdated pricing principles, do not always reflect the actual cost of transportation and do not take into account the specific needs of various categories of cargo and customers. In the current situation, when supply chains are becoming more complex and extensive, a more flexible and adaptive approach to tariff formation is required. The new tariff models should take into account not only the distance and weight of the cargo, but also factors such as the speed of delivery, the complexity of the route, the seasonality of demand and the requirements for cargo handling.

The purpose of this article is to form a system of factors influencing the level of tariff rates for freight rail transportation and determining the choice of tariff formation methodology.

The formation of a system of factors determining changes in the tariff policy in the field of freight transportation by rail will significantly optimize pricing, making it more transparent and predictable for market participants. This, in turn, will create favorable conditions for business development and increase the competitiveness of the industry.