Logistics in Turkey

Turkey has an advantageous position between Europe and Asia, giving it an important transit function. Transport is primarily by sea. The rail system has been neglected for years but consideration is now being given to upgrading international rail links with Western Europe.

Turkish Infrastructure

Turkey’s international goods transportation is mainly sea freight. For transport between Germany and Turkey, road-based shipments and combined sea and land transports have become fairly significant. In contrast, in the past, rail transport have been largely neglected. This sector has much catching-up and modernisation to do. In a direct comparison with most EU countries, Turkey’s infrastructure is poorly developed.

Logistics requirements and service areas

Rapidly growing trade with Turkey has created a promising perspective for the logistics sector, and the trend is expected to continue. For this reason, international logistics companies are increasing their presence in the country. All major international logistics companies are already active in Turkey. The intensifying competition being fuelled by their presence is leading to significant quality improvements in the services being offered and a constantly rising service standard.

Logistics centres in Turkey

Istanbul is the most important logistics hub in the country. Just about all important logistics service providers have their headquarters in this region. From here, they manage their branches located in other parts of the country. Facilities that are comparable to central European logistics centres, with their good connections to harbours, airports and other transport hubs, are still not available in Turkey. The country also does not have any modern, multimodal hubs that can form a network of rail, road and air transport networks.

Prospects

Rapidly growing trade with Turkey has created wide ranging opportunities for the logistics sector, and the trend is expected to continue. For this reason, international logistics companies are increasing their presence in the country. The intensifying competition being fuelled by their presence is leading to significant quality improvements in the services being offered and a constantly rising service standard.

Document download (in Turkish) 7.5mb