Research relevance. The problem of logistics potential development for the railway transportation companies with a purpose of strengthening its competitive positions is actualized in the conditions of railway transportation market liberalization and deregulation. Purpose: to develop a methodology for railway enterprises logistics potential evaluation by supplementing it with qualitative parameters (by applying the hierarchy analysis model) and thus expanding its scope. In particular, when assessing competitiveness. Methods: the hierarchy analysis model by T. Saati; expert evaluation method; the integral index of competitiveness evaluation method. Conclusions and value added: The enterprises logistics potential evaluation method with hierarchy analysis model usage was further developed. The logistics potential assessment problem is presented in a form of three-tier hierarchy of criteria. The hierarchy consists of eighteen third-level criteria and five second-level criteria, which compose a comprehensive system of indicators for railway enterprise logistics potential assessing. The qualitative parameters were obtained for enterprises logistics potential criteria evaluation. The research with the described method usage allowed to distinguish the components of logistical potential according to their level of importance in terms of strategic priorities for the industry development in general and the target market requirements; and to identify those criteria, the consideration of which will allow to increase the railway transport enterprises competitiveness. This approach expands the enterprise’s logistics potential methodology scope, especially when assessing competitiveness, helps to choose a further strategic direction.

Scientific approaches for defining liberalization as a priority trend in rail transport development has been generalized. The main liberalization purpose and goals have been revealed and systematized. The international experience in rail freight traffic liberalization has been analyzed and conclusions about its efficiency have been made based on statistical data. The basic prerequisites for performing the reformation of rail freight transport in Ukraine by means of liberalization have been revealed. The existing form of transportation process organization at JSC "Ukraine Railways" has been described. A thorough analysis of statistical data characterizing the operational results of the main railway enterprise in Ukraine has confirmed existing problems in the industry that can be resolved through the liberalization process. A survey has been conducted for the main railway customers and a conclusion based on the obtained results has been made considering liberalization necessity for improving customer service quality. A plan of further actions for freight transport liberalization has been proposed.

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