The Story of RIO-TRANS

• 2008
  

  Humble beginnings

  With prior experience in commercial freight transport and logistics, Oleh Hoshko and Ruslan Shmakov team up to create the private enterprise RIO-TRANS. A small rented office, one light-duty truck, and a 4-person team were humble beginnings, but they had big ambitions.

  “We are a team not only because we work in the same company. We are a team because we value, cooperate with, and respect each other. Our business is based on family ethics and responsibilities.”

  The start-up capital was provided by working with the first clients and their recommendations, an individual approach to service, 24/7 availability, and the flexibility of an independent company.

• 2009-2010
  

  When your services are of high quality, clients value them

  First clients become long-term partners, the volume of export and import shipments with diverse needs across various industries grows, and a network of contractors is established to ensure sustainable, organic growth.

• 2011-2015
  

  Smart growth

  RIO-TRANS gained the status of an associate member of the Association of International Road Carriers of Ukraine (AsMAP). This membership allowed the company to operate within the Carnet TIR international customs guarantee system.

  It was time to invest in the future: an energy-efficient head office and a modern service area for the truck fleet were built from an old, half-ruined pumping station building in Kalush. More than 150 long-term contracts were signed, a multi-sector network of licensed contractors was created, and management, growth, and team development tools were successfully implemented.

  “The dedication of our team has helped RIO-TRANS become the company we are today. Together, we have created a safe and reputable environment for international partnership and cooperation.”

  

  

  

  

  
• 2016-2017
  

  Accelerating Through Change

  We have obtained an international ADR license, a globally recognized standard for the road transport of dangerous goods and waste. This certification confirms our right and competence to safely handle ADR cargo in full compliance with international regulations.

  RIO-TRANS has introduced a new brand strategy that unites the company, its team, customers, and professional communities around a common goal — to deliver high-quality service, prioritize safety, and promote sustainable development.

• 2018-2019
  

  Driving Global Presence

  For better collaboration with international partners and the integration of services within the European Union, the company “RIO Trans Polska Sp. z o.o.” was established.
  All necessary transport licenses and permits have been obtained.
  The main role of the Polish office is to connect European and Ukrainian logistics into a single, seamless supply chain for our customers.

  For convenient and transparent cooperation, we have implemented an online chat for instant communication with a personal manager, an electronic customer account, and a system for monitoring all stages of order fulfillment.

  A strategic office was opened in the seaport of Odesa, Ukraine, expanding our capabilities in sea, air, and rail freight logistics.

  The company follows a strategy of developing international cooperation and building reliable partnerships.
  RIO-TRANS has become a member of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP) and the European Business Association (EBA), actively advocating for meaningful business reforms and representing customers’ interests in the logistics sector.

  In addition, the company is a member of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which provides access to expert support and legal arbitration from one of the most reputable institutions in Eastern Europe. This membership ensures an additional level of legal reliability and confidence for every customer who entrusts us with their cargo.

  “We are growing not only in scale and numbers, but also in the range of services and opportunities we offer to customers across industries. We are transforming more than ever before — and faster than ever before.”

• 2020
  

  Comprehensiveness

  Following the strategy of brand development, the RIO-TRANS trademark has been officially registered in the European Union. The company operates its own fleet of vehicles and maintains contracts with warehouse complexes, including those in Poland, which simplifies cooperation with European customers.

  To improve its professional standards and compliance with the regulations governing the freight forwarding and logistics industry, RIO-TRANS has become a member of the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine (AIFU).

  Services are being improved and key competencies are added through participation in industry business associations, including the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers.

  The company pays special attention to team development. That's why we created our own RIO-TRANS Academy — a space for learning, professional development, and internal team growth. The academy includes:

  A library — a comfortable place with a selection of books for self-development, professional growth, learning, and just for relaxation;

  Training materials and proprietary programs covering key topics in logistics, international transportation, and service interaction;

  Training courses, workshops, and experience exchange between specialists to maintain high standards of teamwork.

  As a result, RIO-TRANS is not only a logistics company, but also a complete ecosystem with a robust infrastructure, professional culture, and strategic vision for development in the European context

• 2021
  

  The goal is to provide 360° value across all aspects of our service.

  RIO Trans Polska Sp.z.o.o receives the RZETELNA FIRMA Certificate of Reliability.

  To support its goals of development and maintaining integrity in operations, RIO-TRANS is authorized to participate in open tender platforms. This enables the company to remain impartial in spending and to enter contracts with companies offering the best value for money, ensuring an honest, regulated, and competitive cooperation process.

  Participation in international, national, and industry exhibitions.

  To ensure the ability to provide high-quality services to its customers, RIO-TRANS has been certified under the ISO 9001:2015 international standard, which is recognized in over 140 countries worldwide.

  In order to minimize the harmful impact of its activities on the environment, RIO-TRANS has been certified to the ISO 14001:2015 international standard.

  First coaching practices at PLASKE Academy, Trademaster. The company's leaders have been selected by Ukrainian educational platforms as experts in the logistics process. Training courses have been created, and RIO-TRANS is joining the conversation for honest, open communication in the business environment.

• 2022
  

  ... war

  The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces marked a challenging period for the country, the company, and most of all, its people. Key challenges/priorities over the following six months included employee safety, cybersecurity, and data storage. During this time, the company's team also volunteered and developed new national routes for delivering humanitarian aid.

  "We have taken all possible measures to keep our team united, ensuring their safety, psychological stability, and hope for the future.Cybersecurity has been strengthened, and backup infrastructures established.Our Corporate Code of Ethics is not a formality, but a commitment of trust between the company, its people, and society. We have also joined local initiatives to support the communities in which we operate."

  International cooperation: membership in ZMPD (Poland)
  This year, the company joined ZMPD (Zrzeszenie Międzynarodowych Przewoźników Drogowych), the largest association of international road carriers in Poland. Membership in this reputable organization has allowed us to strengthen relations with European partners, respond quickly to changes in the EU regulatory environment, and protect the interests of Ukrainian carriers at the international level.

  Ethical standards: implementation of the Code of Corporate Ethics
  In 2022, RIO-TRANS officially approved the Code of Corporate Ethics, which became the basis for an internal culture of responsibility, transparency, and mutual respect.

  Environmental transformation: fleet upgrade
  Our fleet has been reorganized:

  80% of our trucks have been replaced with modern EURO 6 standard vehicles.

  We have established an ecosystem of verified contractors who also adhere to high environmental standards.

  The company is registered in the BDO (Database of Products, Packaging, and Waste Management), which officially allows to transport waste within the European Union in accordance with environmental legislation requirements.

  Enhancing the RIO-TRANS Brand
  Over the year, we actively worked to strengthen the RIO-TRANS brand: the visual identity was updated, customer communication improved, and the company’s presence in professional communities expanded. Official registration of the RIO-TRANS trademark provided legal protection for the brand.

• 2023
  

  Systematic Approach, ISO Certification, Expansion into the USA, and the Establishment of the “RIO-CHARITY” Fund

  The international certification company TÜV NORD conducted an independent audit of RIO-TRANS, which confirmed that our activities comply with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.

  RIO-TRANS established a branch in the United States to expand its geographical reach, serve customers in the North American market, and strengthen the brand’s global presence.

  The FIATA certificate held by RIO-TRANS confirms its membership in the global freight forwarding community and provides access to international tools, knowledge and partnerships.

  The voluntary participation of company employees through volunteer work or monetary donations gradually turned into a structured charitable calendar.As a result, a comprehensive social responsibility program was developed, and the “RIO-CHARITY” Fund was established.

  RIO-TRANS has also joined the Prykarpattia Industrial Cluster (PIC) to develop partnerships, implement innovations, and strengthen its role in the regional business community.

• 2024
  

  Growth and New Initiatives

  The company joined several additional socially significant initiatives. In particular, RIO-TRANS became a partner of the national She Drives project, aimed at training and employing women drivers in the transport sector. Under the signed memorandum, the company undertook to support the employment of program graduates, contributing to the promotion of gender equality and the development of the industry’s workforce potential.

  In cooperation with business associations, the company organized the logistics conference “Prykarpattia Logistics” for the first time.

  “We joined the group of 17 leading Ukrainian companies that signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry for Communities Development.” This participation, together with companies such as Ukrposhta, MHP, and VITAGRO, is aimed at addressing the driver shortage and supporting gender equality in the profession."

• 2025
  

  Integration into the European logistics space

  The company integrated into the European logistics environment by obtaining the status of a participant in the Common Transit Procedure (NCTS), which simplified customs interaction and accelerated the transit of goods across Europe.

  The company continues to invest in volunteer projects and humanitarian assistance aimed at supporting the country during the difficult times caused by the war waged by the Russian Federation against the Ukrainian people.

  In 2025, RIO-TRANS was included in the Forbes Next 250 ranking, which recognizes the most promising small and medium-sized companies in Ukraine. This confirmed the company’s growth momentum, innovation, and high potential in both domestic and international markets.

  Over the course of the year, an additional five customs conferences were held. The company actively contributes to the implementation of modern European approaches in transport logistics and customs practice.

  “This year became a period of decisive change, important decisions, and new opportunities for us. Our team went through a path that required flexibility, responsibility, and mutual trust. RIO-TRANS continued to develop international cooperation, deepen its expertise, modernize its services, and create valuable business meetings for professional dialogue in the field of logistics and European integration.”