Situation with labour supply of transport operations in the Russian North was marked with a number of difficulties during the First World War. The main problem was the lack of centralization and due regulation in the sphere labour mobilization. Sharp fluctuations from deficit to surplus of labour not only had negatve consecuences in economics but also greatly influenced the outcome of cargo operations. Labour conditions became more and more significant factor during the war, responsible for discipline at work. The so called “labour question” can serve as a good example of difficulty to combine the two principles of labour mobilization, used by the Russian authorities: “command and control” principle and free market. Both principles showed its weak points in the process of organization of military cargo traffic in the Russian North.