The Importance of Freight Transport Between Germany and Türkiye

Freight transport is a cornerstone of the economic relations between Germany and Türkiye. Germany is one of Türkiye’s largest export markets, with significant trade volumes in sectors such as textiles, automotive, machinery, and agricultural products. The logistics sector plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of this trade. Türkiye’s strategic location relative to Europe and Germany’s position as Europe’s economic hub make transport between these two countries indispensable.

Türkiye facilitates trade with Germany through the Customs Union agreement with the European Union. However, since Türkiye is not a member of the European Union, customs procedures and logistical processes require a professional approach. This is where various transport methods, including road, rail, sea, and air, come into play. Each method has its own advantages and challenges, necessitating careful planning by companies to select the most suitable option.

The trade volume between Germany and Türkiye grows annually, increasing the demand for the logistics sector. Industries such as automotive parts, ready-to-wear clothing, and food products require regular and reliable transport services. Logistics companies are continuously developing new technologies and strategies to meet this demand.

Road Transport: The Most Common Method

In freight transport between Germany and Türkiye, road transport is the most frequently used method. Türkiye’s extensive road network and Germany’s advanced highway system make this method popular. Full truckload and less-than-truckload shipments offer flexibility based on companies’ needs. The average delivery time ranges between seven and eight days, but express transport services can reduce this to a few days.

In road transport, goods are typically collected from Turkish hubs like Istanbul, Izmir, or Mersin and transported to Germany. Routes generally pass through Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and Austria. Customs warehouses play a significant role due to Türkiye’s non-EU status. Importers usually complete customs clearance at these warehouses.

Road transport offers advantages such as flexibility, door-to-door delivery, and suitability for a wide range of products. However, challenges like fuel costs, traffic congestion, and delays at border crossings can impact efficiency. Logistics companies employ route optimization and fleet management to provide innovative solutions.

Rail Transport: Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective

Rail transport is becoming increasingly popular on the Germany-Türkiye route. Türkiye’s modernized rail network is equipped with electrified lines. The Middle Corridor project has positioned Türkiye as a key trade route connecting China to Europe. Routes such as Köseköy, Istanbul, Budapest, Vienna, and Duisburg are serviced with regular trains.

Rail transport is as cost-effective as sea transport but faster than road transport. For instance, goods from Çerkezköy are transported to Germany by train and distributed by trucks at the destination. This method is ideal for companies seeking eco-friendly transport solutions. The rail trade volume is expected to triple in the coming years.

Rail transport is suitable for large cargo volumes and produces fewer carbon emissions compared to road transport. Fixed routes and regular schedules simplify planning. However, infrastructure deficiencies and limited flexibility can slow its adoption. Türkiye aims to expand its rail network through investments.

Sea Transport: Ideal for Large Cargo Volumes

Sea transport is a cost-effective solution for large and heavy cargo. Turkish ports like Mersin, Ambarlı, and Haydarpaşa work closely with German ports such as Bremen, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven. RO-RO ships are commonly used in intermodal transport, combining road and sea transport. For example, goods are shipped from Istanbul to Trieste by RO-RO and then transported to Germany by truck.

Sea transport is slower than road transport, taking an average of twenty days, but offers cost advantages. A significant portion of Türkiye’s foreign trade is conducted via sea, and trade with Germany accounts for a substantial share. Sea transport is preferred for items like machinery parts, textiles, and construction materials.

Port modernization and innovations in container transport have made sea transport more efficient. However, long delivery times and port congestion are among its drawbacks. Companies are increasingly turning to intermodal solutions to address these challenges.

Air Transport: Fast and Reliable

For valuable or urgent cargo, air transport is preferred. Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport are key hubs for cargo transport to Germany. Air freight provides fast deliveries to many parts of Europe. Transit times are typically two to three business days, though costs are higher compared to other methods.

Air transport is used primarily for high-value items like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable foods. Germany’s Frankfurt and Munich airports are common destinations. Air transport excels in speed and reliability but is limited by high costs.

In air transport, cargo security, cold chain logistics, and rapid customs clearance are critical. Türkiye is strengthening its infrastructure to capture a larger share of international cargo transport.

Intermodal Transport: The Trend of the Future

Intermodal transport combines road, rail, and sea transport, offering eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions. For example, cargo from Türkiye to Germany may travel by truck to a port, by RO-RO ship to Trieste, and then by train to Germany. This method is ideal for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Investments by international logistics firms in intermodal transport are boosting its popularity. Türkiye aims to become a leading logistics hub with projects like the Middle Corridor. Intermodal transport optimizes logistics processes, lowers costs, and shortens delivery times.

The adoption of this method is supported by digitalization and automation in the logistics sector. Smart logistics systems enhance cargo tracking, increase transparency, and improve customer satisfaction.

Customs Procedures and Logistical Challenges

Türkiye’s non-EU status can make customs procedures complex. Exports to Germany require additional documents like circulation certificates. Customs clearance is typically handled by importers at customs warehouses. Logistics firms facilitate these processes through coordination in local languages.

Global logistical challenges have positioned Türkiye as an alternative production and trade hub. Türkiye is capitalizing on this opportunity by expanding its infrastructure and strengthening its transport network with Germany. Digitalization of customs procedures speeds up operations, saving companies time.

Other challenges in the logistics sector include driver shortages, rising energy costs, and political uncertainties. Türkiye is proactively addressing these issues to maintain its competitive edge in logistics.

Recent Developments and Future Projects

Türkiye is taking significant steps to enhance freight transport with Germany. Rail projects are simplifying customs procedures, with agreements signed between Türkiye, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. A new rail project connecting Iraq and Bulgaria will bring Türkiye closer to Europe.

Türkiye’s logistics sector is on a growth trajectory. In transport with Germany, digital transformation and infrastructure modernization are driving this growth. The use of artificial intelligence and automation in logistics will make processes more efficient, giving companies a competitive advantage.

Türkiye is modernizing its ports and expanding its rail network to become a global logistics hub. These investments will make trade with Germany faster and more reliable.

Conclusion

Freight transport between Germany and Türkiye is the backbone of their economic relations. Road, rail, sea, and air transport offer companies flexibility. Intermodal transport and infrastructure investments are making logistics on this route more efficient and eco-friendly. Türkiye’s strategic location and Germany’s economic strength bring the two countries closer in logistics.

The logistics sector continues to evolve through technological innovations and infrastructure investments. Türkiye is steadily advancing toward becoming a leading player in this field, further strengthening trade with Germany.