Intermodal freight transportation from a logistic aspect and a case study for the distribution of fast consumption goods in Turkey

Logistics comprises the movements of products-as raw materials, spare parts, and finished goods- from where they are originated to where goods are consumed. An effective transportation adds value to goods, as well as it enhances their competitive power in the marketplace. In recent years, the value added created in logistics sector owing to the combination among various modes of transportation, supports the development of new transportation systems. The intermodal transportation, which addresses varying distribution needs of all kinds of cargo, is the most important outcome of these development efforts. The system, by using two or more different modes of transportation, embraces sequential and connected transportation where the carrier is responsible for certain parts or entire transportation, and allows the cargo to move through several modes of transportation in standardized containers. The system, gained popularity in developed countries within the context of logistics services, is discussed with reference to technical perspectives, types of transportation networks, and chain of transportation. In Turkey, contrary to developed countries, transportation is achieved mostly by roadway, causing imbalanced distribution of cargo transportation. Hence, in this study, applicability of intermodal transportation is analyzed with the help of the model created, and modes and routes of intermodal transportation are sought. The model has been applied in the consumer goods segment, and based on the data captured, modes of transportation that minimize transportation related costs and strategic points that showed the characteristics of logistic bases have been explained. It is concluded that Turkey is suitable for intermodal transportation system in terms of geographic location, and routes on where the system are applicable are illustrated within the structure of this model.