Since production costs in the global economy do not show great differences today, price competition is also moving away from being an element that strengthens the exporter's hand. It is a well-known fact that logistics services, strategies and cost elements have become more important in terms of competing in global trade. Logistics bases are seen as an important leverage in terms of being close to export markets and providing competitive advantage. As a matter of fact, logistics companies have accelerated their warehouse investments, especially in Europe. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's project to open 6 logistics bases abroad also seems to have gained momentum.
4 ⁇ of the bases called Turkey, Foreign Logistics Distribution Networks (YDL) are planned to be established in Europe and 2 ⁇ in the USA.
In the geography where Turkey is located, transportation routes and trade routes are changing with the effects of political crises, wars and sanctions. In such a conjuncture, the main goal is to increase the competitiveness of exporters and logistics companies together.
The data we received from the sector representatives indicate that logistical capabilities in external transportation increased by 15 percent to 25 percent according to the regions, with the effect of changing routes. At a time when delivery times have increased by 25-30 days due to the Red Sea crisis, Turkey is trying to turn the logistics advantage in trade between the Far East and Europe in favor of trade corridors.
New Ro-Ro lines and port investments needed
On the other hand, the more effective use of multiple transport models in foreign trade transportation offers exporters the advantage of delivering products to the targeted points quickly as well as the cost.
The expansion of Ro-Ro and Ro-La combined transportation in multi-transport, called combined or intermo ⁇ dal, is among the most important expectations of the logistics sector. Increasing the number of Ro-Ro lines and the number of countries that can be reached with Ro-Ro will be a development in line with these expectations.
In this way, exporting organizations and logistics companies will benefit from Ro-Ro services at more competitive prices. In achieving this goal, the development of port infrastructure and superstructures suitable for Ro-Ro transportation, the speeding up of the railway connections of the ports by public hands are expressed as the priority expectations of the logistics and foreign trade sectors.
The International Transporters Association (UND), the most important professional organization in road transport, argues the following view by underlining that exports should be increased by an average of 10 percent every year in order to reach the export targets of 575 billion dollars of goods and services targeted for 2028; ⁇ Effective logistics services, which have increased our country by 9 places in the Global Logistics Performance Index in the last few years, need to be regulated and bureaucracy at border crossings should be reduced.
Activation of logistics infrastructures and maximum digitization of processes are also very important. In addition, by feeding the tax facilities that will increase the competitiveness of our logistics companies with investment support and incentives, we can ultimately pave the way for our exporters to reach the close and distant target markets faster and more affordable than their competitors. We still have the opportunity to achieve our targets for 2028. ⁇
Boltas Sales & Marketing & Customer Experience Director Güney Gedik: We choose the most convenient modes of transport
Increasing logistics costs create a challenging situation for many companies in the industry. At Boltas, we are able to adapt quickly to changing cost conditions and continue to offer competitive costs to our customers. With our strong structure in Europe, we provide our importers and exporters with the most up-to-date information on trade regulations, customs processes and local regulations. We can provide support within our own structure at every point from loading to unloading, from storage to domestic distribution. We develop cost-effective solutions by offering our customers flexible choices between various modes of transport.
Ares Logistics Strategy and Business Development Director Yiğit Şenbağ: Increasing costs create pressure
In addition to the current challenges of the logistics sector, it is a known fact that in recent years it has also faced problems such as driver procurement, equipment ⁇ fuel costs, and Schengen Visa, which are in a constant trend of increase. As Ares Logistics, we continue our investments including abroad in order to provide sustainable service to exporters. We produce solutions that provide cost advantages with different route preferences and combined transportation types. The extra costs caused by current conditions also reduce the profitability rates of logistics companies. Investments in extra vehicles, drivers, equipment and technological infrastructure have become plans to overcome the contraction in the market and increase competition.
Talay Logistics General Manager and Board Member Mehmet Yiğit Altıparmak: Long-term planning and collaborations are important
We provide as low cost as possible with the long-term plans and collaborations we have made. We make agreements such as block train, ship commitment in advance. So in a sense, we can say that we win when we buy. This allows us to offer our customers ambitious low costs. One of the most important factors for our producers to hold on to foreign markets is that such advantages can be offered to them. In order to be assertive in our competitive environment, we assume the risk with previous agreements. We try to minimize costs by combining factors such as the right agreements, strong connections and industry experience in the best way.
General Manager of Almark Logistics Onur Güvenler: It's not easy to optimize costs
Currently, I can say that logistics companies have difficulty in optimizing costs. At such times, it is seen that some companies stop their activities and some go on the way of merger with company marriages. Strategies such as consolidation and load optimization, alternative modes of transportation, technological investments, supply chain optimization, risk management and collaboration with global networks help logistics companies to offer their customers an advantage despite increasing costs. As Almark Logistics, we provide our exporters with advantages such as speed and efficiency, storage and inventory management, cost efficiency, security and traceability, technological infrastructure and innovation, 24/7 support.
Source of: the World Center
