Transport from and to Turkey. Transport Türkiye

Freight transport to Turkey is a crucial element of economic and trade exchange and includes several main branches of forwarding and logistics: road transport, rail transport, sea transport, and air transport. Each of these transport methods has its advantages and challenges, and the choice of a specific transport method to and from Turkey depends on the type of goods transported, costs, and the time required for delivery to recipients.

The dominant transport solution is road transport to and from Turkey, which ensures transport flexibility and a relatively short delivery time. A well-planned route allows goods to be delivered within a few days, depending on road conditions and customs clearance between transit countries. In the case of truck transport, freight forwarding companies play a key role in organizing transport to Turkey, both in full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) modes. FTL transport is mainly used for large deliveries, while LTL transport allows the transportation of smaller loads, helping to reduce unit costs.

In road transport, customs clearance at the border between Turkey and the European Union is a mandatory stage, which can sometimes extend the delivery time, especially during periods of increased traffic and international transport. Although Turkey is part of a customs union with the EU, trade and transport to and from Turkey require formalities, such as presenting commercial invoices, CMR waybills, and certificates of origin. Additionally, some goods, including food products or chemicals, are subject to special regulations and require appropriate certificates or permits.

Sea transport is mainly used for large cargo shipments and container transport, both FCL and LCL. Goods from Poland are shipped primarily from the ports of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Szczecin, with destination terminals in Turkish ports such as Istanbul, Mersin, and Izmir. Maritime transport is cheaper compared to other transport methods, but it takes longer, making it less suitable for time-sensitive cargo. In this case, logistics operators play a key role in organizing transport, transshipment, and customs clearance.

Air freight transport is the least popular cargo transport option due to high costs but is used for express shipments and high-value goods. Cargo flights from Poland to Turkey regularly operate from Chopin Airport in Warsaw to Istanbul, enabling the fast delivery of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts.

Challenges associated with freight transport to and from Turkey include not only customs issues but also dynamic changes in regulations, rising fuel costs, and potential delays on international routes. On the other hand, the development of infrastructure, digitization of logistics processes, and better integration of transport corridors make goods transport between Poland and Turkey increasingly efficient and attractive for Polish hauliers.

Turkey has an extensive network of roads and highways, which serve as important transport routes. The most important of these is O-3, also known as E80, which runs from Edirne (the Bulgarian border) through Istanbul to Ankara and is part of a route connecting Europe with the Middle East. Another key artery is O-4 (E88), which connects Istanbul with Ankara, being one of the main trade corridors. O-21 (E90) connects Ankara to Adana and Mersin, enabling transport to Mediterranean ports. Meanwhile, D100 (E5) handles intercity transport in western Turkey, running parallel to the O-3 highway. O-32 (E87) is a route linking Izmir to southern Turkey, often used for agricultural and industrial transport. D400 is one of the longest national roads, running along the Mediterranean coast, playing a key role in port-to-port transport.

In Turkey, specific road traffic rules apply, especially for trucks. Heavy trucks have restricted access to major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir during peak hours (07:00-10:00 and 16:00-20:00). In many areas, especially tourist regions, there are seasonal entry bans for vehicles exceeding a certain weight limit. Weekend and holiday restrictions may also apply to trucks on certain routes. The maximum permissible gross weight (GVW) for truck-trailer combinations is 40 tons, but lower limits may apply on specific routes. Truck drivers transporting to Turkey must carry full cargo documentation, including the CMR waybill and customs documents such as ATR or EUR.1. Some goods may require special certificates or permits, particularly for food products or chemicals. At border crossings and checkpoints, vehicles undergo inspections to verify weight, emissions, and driver working hours compliance. Driving time regulations in Turkey are similar to those in Europe—drivers can operate vehicles for up to 9 hours per day, with the option to extend to 10 hours twice a week, and must take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving. The weekly driving limit is 56 hours, and the biweekly limit is 90 hours. Additionally, Turkey employs an electronic toll collection system (HGS – Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) on highways and bridges, requiring an onboard unit. Many bridges and tunnels, such as the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul, involve extra tolls based on vehicle category and weight, and non-payment may result in high fines.

Transport companies carrying out transport to Turkey mainly transport machines and industrial equipment, often using oversized transport. They also transport machine parts, mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as chemical products, including fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and plastics, often using ADR transport. Another important category of goods transported to Turkey includes metallurgical products, such as steel, iron, and finished metal structures. Polish carriers also transport food products, including meat, dairy, apples, and processed fruit and vegetable products, using refrigerated transport. Another significant cargo category includes vehicles and automotive parts, particularly those manufactured in Poland, which are delivered to Turkish factories. Additionally, furniture, interior furnishings, wood, and wooden products, such as chipboard, plywood, and construction elements, are frequently transported.

On the other hand, Turkey exports to Poland mainly textiles and clothing, being one of the largest suppliers of garments and fabrics to the European market. Transport from Turkey to Poland also includes food products, such as citrus fruits, olives, olive oil, dried fruits (figs, apricots, raisins), nuts, and spices. Poland also imports machinery and household appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators, and other home appliances, as well as metal products and steel, ready-made goods, and raw materials for further processing. Ceramics and building materials, such as ceramic tiles and construction components, also constitute a major part of transport cargo from Turkey.

Transport to Turkey is much more than just selecting the optimal route and fulfilling customs requirements. Understanding the Turkish transport market and local conditions is essential, as they can significantly affect transport time and costs.

Experienced Polish hauliers offering transport to and from Turkey know that, although Turkey is formally part of a customs union with the EU, customs clearance procedures may vary depending on the type of goods, season, or even specific border crossing. In some cases, additional inspections, detailed documentation requirements, or local regulations can significantly extend transport times. Knowledge of these nuances allows for better planning and the avoidance of unnecessary delays.

Likewise, business relationships and local market knowledge play an important role, especially in interactions with Turkish partners, freight forwarders, and customs authorities. Carriers regularly servicing the Turkey route often have established procedures and reliable contacts, enabling them to organize transport more efficiently and minimize unforeseen issues.

In conclusion, successful transport from Poland to Turkey requires not only knowledge of regulations and routes but also an understanding of local conditions that directly impact delivery efficiency. It is precisely experience and adaptability to the Turkish transport market that allow Polish transport companies to excel in international transport to and from Turkey.