The Distribution Logistics Trends, Their Identification, Development and Application in the “Russian Railways” Holding Company

Purpose: To analyze theory and practices of the supply chain management trends and assess their potential implementation to enhance the supply system of JSC “Russian Railways”. Methods: To accomplish the stated objective, general scientific methods are employed such as comparative analysis, generalization, and the systematization of research data obtained from both domestic and international experts. Results: Modern supply chain management features have been revealed, such as shifting emphasis from SCM to DCM, building the configuration and operation of supply chains and maximizing the end customer value, developing integrated planning and management using SRM-systems and applying digital management tools in transport and logistics business. The conducted analysis of the logistics component structure of the e-commerce market has shown increased marketplace share and their growing impact on the behavior of other participants in the field of goods movement, the warehouse infrastructure status and location, and the supply chain configuration. This paper highlights the logistics system features of the “Russian Railways” holding emphasizing the significant centralization of material and equipment procurement system and financial resources within the Central Supply Chain Management System, as well as the pronounced “bureaucratization” inherent in the company’s procurement procedures. It also identifies potential avenues for implementing innovative approaches and trends typical of contemporary supply chain management practices within a vertically integrated transport holding. Practical significance: The recommendations proposed by the authors have a good potential of being implemented in the materials and equipment procurement system in regional railway transport organizations.