Yurii Gerasymov: Navigating the Roads of Innovation in Global Logistics

According to a recent report by IMARC Group, the global logistics market reached a valuation of USD 5.7 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 8.1 trillion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of about 4.02 %. This surge reflects the accelerating complexity of supply chains, the growth of ecommerce, and the growing demand for safe, reliable and efficient goods movement. Against this backdrop, we spoke with Yurii Gerasymov — an expert with more than 25 years of experience in fleet management, international logistics and research — about what’s driving change in the industry and how he’s shaping it.

From the highways of Ukraine to the complex logistics networks of the United States, Yurii Gerasymov has spent more than 25 years mastering the art of fleet management and transportation. Recipient of the Order of Honor and recognized as one of the “Great Ukrainians,” Gerasymov has built a career on optimizing processes, integrating innovative technologies, and advancing safety in freight transport. In 2025, he joined the editorial board of the Universal Library of Innovative Research and Studies and serves as a juror for the international Quality Mark Award.

We spoke with him about the evolution of logistics, the challenges of international transport, and the principles guiding his vision for the future.

Q: How has logistics changed since you started in the late 1990s, and what remains constant in the profession? 
A: Logistics has transformed dramatically — digitalization, GPS tracking, online platforms, and stricter safety standards are now the norm. Yet one thing remains unchanged: responsibility. At the heart of the profession is the human element — professionalism, vigilance, and the ability to solve problems in real time.

Q: Working across Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S., what differences in standards and corporate culture stand out? 
A: The U.S. focuses intensely on safety regulations like DOT and OSHA, while Europe prioritizes route efficiency and environmental standards. Ukraine requires flexibility and multifunctional expertise. I’ve combined these approaches into a management system that respects standards without sacrificing responsiveness.

Q: You often mention the importance of a systematic approach. What does that mean for fleet management? 
A: For me, systems mean predictability. Fleet management is an interconnected structure: maintenance, routing, safety monitoring, and personnel training. If one link fails, the whole system suffers. Systematic management ensures stability, not bureaucracy.

Q: Which project in your career was the most challenging, and what did it teach you? 
A: Coordinating construction material deliveries during the Odessa road network reconstruction was extremely complex. Large volumes, unpredictable weather, and multiple parallel projects taught me that in logistics, you cannot rely solely on perfect plans — you must make decisions instantly, on the ground.

Q: How do awards like “Leaders of the 21st Century” or “Great Ukrainians” impact you professionally? 
A: They are more than symbols — they validate years of work and reinforce my motivation. Recognition encourages me to keep innovating and contributing to the industry.

Q: In the U.S., you reduced operational costs by 10% at BSG Logistics. How did you achieve that? 
A: By optimizing routes, implementing strict vehicle maintenance schedules, and training drivers in fuel-efficient driving. Technology and human expertise together improved safety and efficiency.

Q: You’re also a published researcher. What motivated you to move beyond practice into academic work? 
A: Practice without analysis lacks depth. Research allows me to understand patterns, improve safety, and share insights with colleagues. For example, my studies on cargo security and uninterrupted material delivery have direct operational applications.

Q: What technologies do you see shaping the future of logistics? 
A: AI, autonomous driving, and smart vehicle monitoring will redefine logistics. These technologies will shift human roles from operational to strategic while maintaining flexibility in unexpected situations.

Q: How do you cultivate a culture of responsibility among drivers and managers? 
A: Through training, mentorship, and personal example. Safety compliance is framed as protecting people, not as a bureaucratic obligation. Continuous learning fosters accountability and discipline.

Q: If you could design the ideal transport company of the future, what principles would it follow? 
A: Three pillars: safety and resilience above profit, data-driven innovation, and investment in human capital — people who are trained, motivated, and empowered, not merely hired.