Transport Turkey with Seacon Logistics

Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from Turkey. From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport

In only a short period of time, Turkey has made the leap from a developing country to an emerging market. Thanks to consistent growth rates and a diversified economy with opportunities for various sectors, the country has managed to survive the internal turmoil of the past. The country has continued to develop its political and economic system and adapt it to new challenges. Specifically, this means that Turkey continues to invest in infrastructure projects in the Middle East and holds on to key economic partners including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Russia to trade and encourage direct foreign investment. 

The level of industrialisation and the frequency of direct investment vary widely due to the geographic regions of Turkey. Industry and services are very dominant in the metropolises (especially in Istanbul), but agriculture is still predominant in rural Turkey. This creates a special dynamic of location-specific factors that must be taken into account. 

Typical for an emerging economy is that it is subject to strong fluctuations. Turkey has faced stagnation as a result of both internal and external factors. Thanks to its industrial location and critical agricultural sector, the country is increasingly successful in achieving stable and positive economic growth. Turkey is one of the largest exporters in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, well-known car manufacturers have established production sites in Turkey, making exports one of the main pillars of the economy. 

As a logistics hub between Asia and Europe, the transport and logistics sector fulfils another important economic pillar. To meet the high demands placed on the country's infrastructure, Turkey has invested around 30% of government funds in the transport and communications sector in recent years. This sector accounts for 14% of the gross domestic product (GDP). 

Turkey uses all modalities, making intermodal transport particularly easy to use. 

For Turkey transport, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for Turkey.

Key transport routes Turkey and your benefits

Turkey is geographically in a special position. The country connects two continents and has direct access to two seas. This has helped the country become the transportation hub it is today. 

Thanks to its favourable location on both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, sea freight ​​is of great importance for international goods transport. Turkey is connected to key international waters and sea routes thanks to both seas. The Black Sea connects Turkey to the eastern hemisphere and serves as a gateway to the Asian market. The importance of the ports is reflected in their funding. Turkey's main port, Mersin, was built as part of a government project and has been modernised and expanded over the years to meet the increasing demand for capacity. 

With a share of almost 90%, the road network is of great importance for road transport, particularly for domestic transport. Since there are hardly any navigable waters in Turkey, much is demanded of the road transport network. However, thanks to well-thought-out logistics, this is not a problem. Turkey can easily handle the high capacity thanks to the developed roads, extensive networks and highways between the major metropolises. 

The O-4 is the most important connection and connects the economic centre of Istanbul with the capital city of Ankara. To meet future challenges and increasing demand, Turkey is expanding its transport network further, automatically further optimising logistics for intermodal transport

In recent years, both air freight and rail transport have lagged behind sea and road transport in terms of investment in modernisation or expansion. Although Turkey is now making significant investments in this area, fast and efficient transport is simply possible through the current infrastructure. The logistics have mainly been optimised for passenger transport, but in the near future air and rail transport will also gain importance due to the investments. 

Aerial view of Bosphorus Bridge over water in Istanbul | Transport Turkey | Seacon Logistics
Plane flies over Ankara city in the evening. The Kocatepe mosque can be seen in the middle. | Transport Turkey | Seacon Logistics

Important cities for cargo transport in Turkey 

Turkey's cargo transport is mainly concentrated in industrially important metropolitan areas. Turkey's main logistics centres are located near these areas, including Istanbul with Ambarli Limani port (the main port in Turkey).  Many goods are transhipped from here. The port is of great international importance for freight transport from Europe to Asia and vice versa, and thus plays an important key role in Turkey's position as an internationally important logistics centre. 

Thanks to its connection to the road network, the port is also a logistics centre for the export of domestically produced goods. Due to its modern equipment, crude oil, among other things, is shipped here, making the port a universal port. 

Another logistics centre is located in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The city is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is, after Istanbul, the most important economic and logistics centre. The port of Mersin located there is the second largest port in Turkey and is also of supra-regional importance for freight transport. Various goods are shipped from this port, including petroleum, cement, food and textiles. This port can therefore also be regarded as a universal port.

Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics

We offer different types of transport to and from Turkey. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from Turkey:

  • Groupage transport to Turkey 
  • Pallet shipment
  • Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
  • Full loads (FCL / FTL)
  • Rail transport
  • Deliveries in the city centre
  • Delivery with tailboard
  • Express delivery to Turkey
Sultan Ahmet Mosque at sunrise | Transport Turkey | Seacon Logistics

Groupage Turkey - LCL and LTL

The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.

The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.

Full loads Turkey - FCL or FTL

The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.

With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity. 

Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination. 

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Loading special transport onto a truck. | Seacon Logistics

Special transport Turkey

In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from Turkey. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from Turkey to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports: 

  • Long goods
  • Dangerous goods (ADR)
  • Boxes (KTN)
  • Boxes (BOX)
  • Bundles
  • Heavy load
  • Pallets (PLT)
  • Gitter boxes (GIBO)
  • Barrels (FSS)
  • Other loose goods

Transport options Turkey: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa

At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.

From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from Turkey to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment. 

Container terminal from above, showing a container ship loading sea freight and moving trucks (road transport). | Seacon Logistics

Transit and delivery times for transport to Turkey

To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently. 

It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from Turkey arrives at your customer faster than usual. 

For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you. 

Customs: the correct import and export documents

Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.

Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations? 

More about customs

Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with Turkey

As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.

To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic. 

View our Incoterms® page

Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details 

Turkey is not a member of the EU. Therefore, there are different regulations than in Europe, which mainly relate to customs regulations and tolls. There are also local rules and regulations that must be observed in many areas. In the following overview, you will learn about the details you need to consider: 

  • Different currency: Turkey's currency is the Turkish lira (TRY).
  • Cooperation with European Union: Although Turkey is not an EU member, the country has close trade relations with the EU. Both parties are working to lower customs barriers. A trade agreement has already been concluded between the EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) and Turkey.
  • Tolls: Tolls must be paid on all highways and bridges. The price is calculated based on the vehicle category.
  • Customs: Customs regulations can vary greatly, depending on diplomatic relations with Turkey. Please contact us for more information about customs and Turkey.

If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in Turkey, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport. 

The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985

Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!

With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust. 

Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than Turkey? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:

Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?

Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.

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