Road Freight Transportation management

Current Changes in the Road Transport Regulation

  1. On 14.01.2023, the Road Transport Regulation was updated in line with the demands of transport companies and the public.
  2. Access of disabled citizens and their companions to dialysis centers is facilitated by easing the licensing requirements.
  3. In order to eliminate the driver gap and contribute to the employment of young people, the age limit for bus drivers has been reduced from 26 ⁇ to 24 ⁇ .
  4. It is aimed to increase citizen satisfaction by simplifying the procedures of the companies that carry out passenger transportation, to add additional flights quickly and to increase the number of companies that citizens can use.

U-ETDS Application and Logistics Services

The change isDescription of
U-ETDS Reporting Time ExtendedThe period has been extended for companies engaged in freight transportation to comply with the U-ETDS (Transportation Electronic Tracking and Inspection System) reporting obligation.
Logistics Authority for International Freight ForwardersInternational freight carriers were authorized to operate as logistics service providers, and the transformation from transportation to logistics was supported.
  1. For companies with vehicles registered with another company, to be able to carry out domestic and international transportation and to strengthen their institutionalization, license discounts are provided.

Scope of Regulation

  • In addition to passenger and goods transportation activities, the Regulation also covers activities such as transportation, agency, transportation brokerage, logistics, storage, cargo and terminal management.
  • The Regulation defines various terms related to road transport such as ⁇ carrier ⁇ , ⁇ acente ⁇ , ⁇ transportation works broker ⁇ , ⁇ logistics operator ⁇ , ⁇ terminal operator ⁇ .

Development of Road Transport

Importance of Road Transport in Turkey

Road transport in Turkey is the most preferred method of transportation in both domestic and international shipments. Road transport, which is a reliable and wide-ranging method of transportation, has the capacity to carry more loads. The most advanced and constantly evolving transportation system in Turkey is road transport.

Republican Era and Development of Highways

  1. After the proclamation of the Republic, priority was given to rail transport, but from 1948 the development of road transport began.
  2. In this period, with the increase of resources in the country, important steps were taken and developments were experienced in road transportation.

Current Status of Road Transport

  • About the transportation in Turkey is carried out by road.
  • There are approximately 170,000 vehicles carrying loads on average, and Turkey's road transport is in better condition compared to many countries.
  • The Turkish road transport and logistics sector has shown great development and continues to grow, especially in the last 10 years.
  • The fact that Turkey has a young transportation fleet enables continuous development.

Advantages of Geography

  • Turkey's geographical features are more suitable for road transport due to shorter distances and the absence of the need for transfers, which makes deliveries easier and more economical.

Road Freight Management is progressing in parallel with the development of the road freight system. The following table summarizes the important stages of this development:

the Period PeriodChanges in development
Before the 1950sRoad transport was seen as a complementary system to rail transport.
After the 1950sRailways have been largely neglected, with the help of Marshall, the construction of road transport -/secondary keyword> has come to the fore.
1960-1980With the transition to the planned development period, the road transport</secondary keyword> system is integrated into the plans.
Today isRoad transport -/secondary keyword> has become Turkey's main transportation system (%There are 97 passengers. %The 89th load.

Role in Foreign Trade

Advantage of Non-Transfer Transport

Non-stop transport offers non-stop transport between the starting and destination points. This eliminates the risk of delays and damage caused by additional transfers in the transport process of goods. Road transport provides advantages, especially for companies that trade with neighboring countries.

Speed and Cost Advantages

It offers advantages of road transport, fast delivery and low cost. However, there are also disadvantages such as unit transportation costs, energy consumption, environmental pollution and accident risk. Therefore, companies should take into account costs, speed and environmental impacts when determining the mode of transport.

Challenges in International Transport

  1. Turkey is a party to only 7 out of 16 important conventions on international road transport.
  2. There are problems in issues such as visa, transit documents, customs and traffic legislation applications.
  3. These challenges can slow down international transport activities and increase costs.

Role of Logistics and Transportation Sector

Role of SectorDescription of
Supporting business activitiesThe international logistics and transportation sector plays a critical role in the commercial activities of companies operating in Turkey, both with neighboring countries and in intercontinental trade.
Fast and Reliable ProcessesThe main purpose of the sector is to help companies complete their logistics processes and activities quickly and reliably and to ensure that they take a leading position in international markets.
Multiple modes of transportInternational logistics companies support foreign trade by offering effective, fast and safe transportation methods with modes such as sea, iron, land and air.

Importance of the system

  1. , It is one of the most important components of global trade and plays an indispensable role in the flow of goods between countries and continents.
  2. , ensures that raw materials and products are delivered from factories to warehouses and from warehouses to the end user.
  3. , it is more flexible and accessible compared to rail or sea transportation, especially it can adapt to specific and variable routes.
  4. In the transportation of small and medium-sized loads, it offers a cost-effective solution, especially ideal for short and medium-distance transportation.

Infrastructure and Legal Legislation

the Legal Framework

  1. Road transport activities are regulated by the Road Transport Law No. 4925 and the regulations related to this law.
  2. This law covers issues such as types of transport, authorization documents of carriers, inspection and criminal sanctions.
  3. The Road Transport Regulation determines the procedures and principles of transportation activities.

Infrastructure and Road Network

  1. Turkey's road network has a length of approximately 68,000 km.
  2. This network consists of highways, state roads, provincial roads and village roads.
  3. General Directorate of Highways is responsible for road construction and maintenance activities.
  4. Modernization of the road network and new investments are critical to the development of the sector.

Vehicle Fleet and Renovation

Type of VehicleNumber of Numbersthe Renewal Process
the Truck Truck750.000The average age of the truck fleet is 13.5 years. Renovation work continues.
It is attractive160.000The average age of the tow truck fleet is 10.5 years. Renewal programs are implemented.
the Truck Truck2.500.000The average age of the truck fleet is 12 years. Renewal efforts are ongoing.

the Logistics Centers

  1. Logistics centers in Turkey play an important role in increasing the efficiency of road transport.
  2. These centers are strategic points where loading, unloading, storage and distribution operations are carried out.
  3. There are currently 18 logistics centres in operation, but more investment is needed to meet the need.
  4. Increasing the number of logistics centers will increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the sector.

Problems in the Sector

Lack of Institutionalization and Productivity

  1. The level of institutionalization in the sector is quite low. A large part of the sector is run by small-scale and family businesses.
  2. This leads to a lack of professional management, lack of resources and inability to keep up with technological innovations.
  3. The adoption of modern management techniques and technologies that will increase efficiency remains limited.

Overcapacity and Destructive Competition

The problem isDescription of
Excess of CapacityThere is excessive capacity in the sector. This situation causes transportation companies to not reach sufficient business volume and enter into price competition.
The destructive competitionLow price policies and unhealthy competition conditions negatively affect the profitability and sustainability of companies.
Unregistered activitiesCarriers operating unregistered, companies that do not comply with the rules lead to unfair competition in the sector.
  1. In order to prevent overcapacity and destructive competition, the sector needs to be regulated and supervised.
  2. In addition, it is important for companies to institutionalize and increase productivity.

Infrastructure and Logistics Inadequacies

  • The quality and capacity of the road network is insufficient, which increases transportation costs.
  • The number and capacity of logistics centers do not meet the need.
  • Bureaucratic obstacles and inefficiencies in customs procedures slow down transportation processes.
  • Intelligent transportation systems and digital infrastructure need to be developed.

Lack of Qualified Human Resources

  1. There is a shortage of qualified personnel in the sector, especially the need for drivers and logistics specialists is at a high level.
  2. The inadequacy of vocational training programs and the unattractive working conditions of the sector fuel this problem.
  3. Sector-university cooperation needs to be strengthened in order to develop qualified human resources.

The solution of these problems in the Road Freight Transportation Management</primary keyword> sector will increase the competitiveness and efficiency of the sector. However, it is also important to improve legal regulations and accelerate infrastructure investments.

Pricing and Costs

Costs of Transport

  1. In road transport, transportation costs largely consist of fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance and repair costs, personnel expenses and road fees.
  2. Fuel costs are approx. %It is made up of 30-35. It is important to invest in vehicle technology and driver training to improve fuel efficiency.
  3. Personnel expenses, especially driver salaries and ancillary payments, %They make up 25-30.
  4. Although vehicle maintenance and repair costs vary depending on the age of the vehicle and the way it is used, it is generally %It constitutes 10-15.
  5. Expenses such as tolls, highway and bridge tolls should also be added to the costs.

The pricing of

Method of PricingDescription of
Ton-kilometer basedPricing is made taking into account the weight and distance of the transported cargo.
the Partial LoadingIt is used for shipments that are not full load, it is priced according to the volume and weight of the load.
Vehicle type basedPricing is made according to the vehicle type (truck, tow truck, etc.).
Based on ServiceSeparate pricing is made for services other than transportation (loading, unloading, storage, etc.).
  1. Pricing is usually determined by distance, load weight/volume, transit time, type of service, and market conditions.
  2. The competitive environment significantly affects pricing. Firms have to set prices that can cover their costs but can be competitive in the market.

Optimization of cost

  1. Renewing the vehicle fleet and increasing fuel efficiency can reduce costs.
  2. Route optimization, load consolidation and reduction of empty trips can improve efficiency.
  3. Driver training and incentives can reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
  4. Effective use of logistics centers can optimize transport processes.
  5. The adoption of digital technologies (load tracking systems, vehicle tracking, etc.) can improve efficiency.

road transport organization and road transport management are critical to cost optimization. Companies should carefully analyze the cost elements and develop appropriate strategies.

Do not install

The loading process

  1. The installation process is a critical stage of its operations. When not performed correctly, it can lead to delays, damage, and increased costs.
  2. The installation process typically consists of these steps:
    • Preparation and palletization of cargo
    • Control of loading area and vehicles
    • Determination of the weight and distribution of the load
    • Proper placement of the load inside the vehicle
    • Securing the load (binding, fixing, etc.)

the Loading Equipment

The equipment isDescription of
Category: Forklifts and trucksIt is used for lifting, transporting and stacking loads.
The pallets areIt facilitates the transportation and stacking of loads.
Ropes and BeltsIt is used for fixing the loads in the vehicle.
The ramps areIt is used for loading and unloading loads on vehicles.
the Loading BellowsIt allows loads to be loaded without damage.
  1. Proper use of loading equipment improves the efficiency and safety of the loading process.

Planning for Loading

  • Loading planning is an important part of road transport organization.
  • Loading timing should be done taking into account routes, vehicle capacities and load characteristics.
  • Efficient loading planning reduces idle trips and optimizes resource utilization.
  • Digital load planning systems can help optimize the loading process.

Safety of Loading

  1. Safety precautions should be taken during installation:
    • Use of personal protective equipment (helmet, vest, etc.)
    • Keeping the loading area tidy and clean
    • Periodic maintenance and control of loading equipment
    • Training of driver and loading personnel
  2. Taking safety precautions helps prevent accidents and injuries.
  3. In addition, proper fastening of loads reduces the risk of load slippage and vehicle overturning.

The loading process in its operations is a critical link in the transport chain. Using the right equipment, planning and taking safety measures improves efficiency and safety.

Conclusion and Recommendations

It is of great importance for Turkey's economy and logistics infrastructure. In this article, the current state of the industry, its legal framework, infrastructure, problems and pricing methods are discussed in detail.

Regulatory changes are an important step to respond to the needs of the industry and make improvements. However, there are more steps that need to be taken to further develop the industry. Eliminating the lack of qualified human resources, increasing infrastructure investments and encouraging institutionalization should be priority issues. In addition, the digitalization of its sector and the adoption of modern technologies will increase efficiency and competitiveness.

Questions and Answers

  1. What does road freight transportation mean?
    Road freight transportation is the process of delivering the products from the starting point to the destination point, without any intermediate transfer, within the determined time using appropriate vehicles.
  2. According to the road transport regulation, what is the transport route? 
    The transport route is defined in transportation as the route from the point of departure where the cargo starts to be transported to the destination and includes intermediate stops.
  3. What does road transport organization mean?
    Road goods transportation organization is a form of transportation that enables the transportation of goods from one place to another, requires a contract between the carrier and the sender and is paid.
  4. According to the road transport regulation, which authorization certificate should the agencies that will carry commercial cargo have?
    Agents who will transport cargo for commercial purposes must have a D4 authorization certificate. This document is issued to those who will carry commercial passengers in the city regardless of the intercity and transportation distance up to 100 kilometers. In addition, F type authorization certificate is given to real and legal persons who will act as agencies in the field of passenger transportation for commercial purposes.