Optimal logistic center site selection with analytic network process: Case of Trabzon

As a reflection of the changes occurring in the process of globalization while some cities become more prominent in the regions which they located both social and commercial aspects are faced with various problems as a result of their logistics infrastructure can?t progress at the same level. In particular, logistics activity areas that previously located outside of the city to remain in the city and urban traffic is becoming a inextricable problem as a result of a very rapid expansion of urban residential areas. In this context, the establishment of logistics center similarities in Turkey, which were established in many parts of the world, is on the agenda to planning of logistics clusters in a healthy manner and in order to ensure effective coordination. In this direction, the main purpose of this study is the optimal site selection of logistic center in Trabzon. With the idea that logistics center type will affect the decision making of site selection, first of all a model has been developed to identify logistic center decision criteria for determining the type of establishment logistic center which called global, international, national and local. Delphi Technique was used for determining these criteria and as a result of the developed model it was concluded that regional logistic center can be established in Trabzon.Analytic Network Process (ANP) - Benefit- Opportunity- Costs and Risks (BOCR) has been used for the optimal logistic center site selection in Trabzon. Six different alternatives that relevant to establishment of logistics centers have been stated by various groups in Trabzon. Information related to the mentioned alternatives to be evaluated in this study were obtained from various public institutions and persons concerned. As a result of these evaluations, three of the six alternatives left out of the assessment for various reasons and the three alternatives as called A, B and C were evaluated in the selection of logistics center location. According to AAS-BOCR application result, A alternative has been identified as the most suitable logistics center location for Trabzon.