The use of logistics outsourcing in Turkey and in the world: An emprical study on Turkish industrial firms

Because of increasing competition and as a result of this, decreasing profit ratio, logistics became very important. According to the current situation of the market, in order to answer the needs, to reduce inventory, to fasten the transportation period, and to shorten the distances; logistics began to play important role to increase customer satisfaction and reduce costs.To focus on their core competincies, and to gain a difference among their rivals, firms began to outsource their logsitics functions. With the help of outsourcing logistics functions, firms have a chance to effectively use their time and resources. In this study, it has been evaluated whether outsourcing logistics affects the performance of the or not, while firms are trying to minimize their costs and maximize their performance.According to some important findings of the study it has been found that; most of the firms give importance to outsourcing logistics. In addition, there has been a relationship between the number of employees and the use of outsourcing logistics. In this study it has also been found that there is no relationship between logistical outsourcing and whether the firm operates national, international or domestic.The study results have indicated that there is a relationship between the number of employees and the ratio of outsourcing logistics activities usage. And also, there is a relationship between the sales volume and the number of employees.Key Words: Logistics, Outsourcing, Logistical Outsourcing, Third PartyLogistics, Fourth Party Logistics,