Introduction. The development of Ukraine’s transport sector, in particular auto carriage of cargoes, is a necessary prerequisite for strengthening its competitive position in foreign, especially European, markets. Finding ways to solve the problems of domestic enterprises providing freight transportation services, generated by factors of internal and external environment, in the context of European integration is of particular relevance.
Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the conditions of international economic activity of domestic haulage carriers in the European markets and to identify opportunities to strengthen their competitive position and remove technical barriers.
Methods. The research was carried out by using such methods as: analysis and synthesis to identify problems of functioning the domestic transportation system and to formulate the concept of its strengthening; comparative analysis, including elements of the methodology for determining the Logistics Efficiency Index, and to study the logistics industry in Ukraine and identify technical barriers to European integration in the industry; tabular and visual methods for visual presentation of material.
Results. The article identifies trends in the development of transport services in the EU and Ukraine and highlights the problems of the domestic freight transportation industry. It is stated that despite favorable conditions, in particular geopolitical, the potential of the transport sector of Ukraine in foreign markets is not fully used. The existing regulatory framework for the implementation of international freight auto transport is characterized, and its formal sufficiency is ascertained. Based on the analysis of the Logistics Efficiency Index, a comparison of the level of logistics development in Ukraine and its main partners in road freight transport has been made. It is found that by all index indicators, Ukraine ranks lower than partner countries. Based on the determination of the competitive position of domestic enterprises in the European markets for transport services, the main problems and weaknesses were identified, namely imperfect customs work, poor infrastructure, corruption of officials, some gaps in the regulatory framework, etc. Particular attention was paid to the technical barriers to the implementation in the European markets of freight transport services by domestic enterprises and a system of measures for their elimination was proposed, including improvement of the system of obtaining permits, solving personnel problems, modernization, including digitalization of the industry, etc.
Discussion. To intensify and increase the efficiency of the international economic activity of Ukrainian freight carriers and integrate the domestic logistics system into the European one, Ukraine needs to rely not only on its own resources but also to attract international economic assistance, both bilateral and multilateral. The technical assistance will provide the solution to the personnel problem and help to modernize the industry, adapting them to the European requirements.
Decoupling of economic activity and freight transport volume: An evidence for short sea shipping future in the ECOWAS sub-region
