Determining the level of utilization of the Mersin Yenice logistic center by operating firms

Due to the effects of globalization and increasing competition, the importance of logistics is growing day by day. Considering Turkey's geographical location and its goal of becoming a logistics hub within its development plans, the need to develop new solutions in the field of logistics has emerged. Within this context, the establishment of logistic centers has been initiated under the leadership of the Turkish State Railways. Through these logistic centers, it is aimed to create integrated areas where services such as transportation, handling, storage, sorting, consolidation, export, import, customs clearance, transit operations, infrastructure services, consultancy, insurance, and banking are coordinated for commercial purposes and where logistics services are provided collectively. With the commissioning of logistic centers, it is aimed to enhance the competitiveness of firms through the use of more efficient logistics systems, reduce logistics costs, contribute to the development of the national economy, and enable transportation to be carried out using different modes. In this study, user perceptions of the Mersin Yenice Logistic Center were examined using a qualitative research method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 out of 16 participants who use the logistic center, and the participants perceptions of the logistic center were evaluated from the user perspective. Drawing on the data obtained from the semi-structured interviews, themes concerning the logistic center including service usage, problems encountered, delivery time, cost implications, regional impact, strengths and weaknesses, level of utilization, use of leased areas, and service adequacy were identified and analyzed in depth using the descriptive analysis method. In addition, a SWOT analysis of the Mersin Yenice Logistic Center was conducted by compiling participant opinions, field observations, and the secondary data obtained. The findings indicate that the participants use the center on a regular basis and benefit from transportation, storage, loading and unloading, and handling services; that the services provided are considered sufficient by the participants; and that the center is evaluated as being regionally effective. During the period of the study, it was observed that ongoing roadworks in Mersin province due to the High Speed Train project had a bidirectional impact on delivery times and costs. While the logistic center's strategic location, accessibility, port connectivity, and spatial proximity to firms were identified as its strengths, deficiencies in maneuvering and organizational capacity, as well as the insufficient number of railway lines within the center, were highlighted as weaknesses. In order to enhance the effectiveness of the Yenice Logistic Center, the adoption of a public private partnership–oriented operating model and the development of the center's marketing and promotional activities were recommended.