Imagine a cold winter night in Moscow. You've just ordered a steaming hot pizza, and within hours, a delivery person knocks on your door. This isn't science fiction—it's daily reality for customers of Russian e-commerce giant Ozon. But how does Ozon manage same-day delivery across Russia's expansive geography? The answer lies in a sophisticated logistics operation.
The Powerhouse Behind Rapid Delivery: Ozon Express
Ozon's same-day service, called Ozon Express, currently covers Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major cities. Customers typically receive their orders within 3-6 hours of purchase. According to Ozon's 2023 financial report, its logistics arm operates over 300 fulfillment centers, processing more than 1.5 million packages daily—40% of which are same-day deliveries.
The secret lies in Ozon's three-tier logistics structure: forward warehouses + local sorting centers + last-mile delivery . The company strategically positions popular products in micro-warehouses located within 10 kilometers of customers. When an order is placed, it's immediately routed to the nearest forward warehouse for picking and packing, then sorted at local centers before final delivery.
AI Algorithms: The Brain Behind Inventory Placement
Ozon's sophisticated AI models analyze search behavior, purchase history, and regional consumption patterns to dynamically adjust forward warehouse inventory. This predictive system allows Ozon to anticipate demand by location and time period, minimizing stockouts while maximizing inventory turnover.
Data shows Ozon's forward warehouses cover 92% of Moscow, with an average response time of 2.1 hours—significantly faster than competitor Wildberries' 5.8 hours. Sellers who participate in Ozon's fulfillment program see their same-day delivery fulfillment rates jump to 97% when using the forward warehouse system.
Localized Delivery Network: The Final Speed Boost
Ozon maintains a fleet of over 20,000 delivery personnel supplemented by third-party couriers, creating a flexible workforce that ensures rapid last-mile delivery. During peak periods, the company deploys up to 8.3 delivery personnel per square kilometer, guaranteeing 30-minute order acceptance.
Advanced routing algorithms optimize delivery paths, keeping average trip distances under 6.2 kilometers. In 2023, Ozon piloted a one-hour delivery service in select Moscow neighborhoods, achieving a 99.6% same-day delivery rate for orders placed before 7 PM.
Ozon Same-Day Delivery: Key Questions Answered
Q1: Which cities offer Ozon same-day delivery?
Currently available in 10 major cities including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Sellers can check eligibility through their backend dashboard.
Q2: Are there additional fees for sellers?
Yes, sellers pay daily storage fees (0.15–0.45 rubles/cm³) and per-order delivery charges (35–70 rubles).
Q3: How can sellers join the same-day network?
Sellers must ship products to designated regional warehouses, enable Express availability, and maintain minimum inventory levels.
Q4: Do late deliveries affect seller ratings?
Yes, consistent delays below 90% on-time rate may reduce store visibility.
Q5: How do customers identify same-day items?
Products display "Today delivery" labels, lightning icons, and estimated delivery windows.
The Future of Ozon's Logistics
Ozon continues to invest heavily in logistics infrastructure, with plans to expand same-day coverage and test innovative delivery methods including drones and smart lockers. The company's success demonstrates how robust logistics systems can create competitive advantages in e-commerce.