Beresford cost-time model analysis of intermodal transportation between Turkey and Peru: A Case study on iron steel merchant bars

The transport costs, which have an important role in terms of product costs, have a great impact on the competitiveness of enterprises and therefore the countries. In order for this effect to be directed to an efficient course, the transport sector must meet certain performance criteria in terms of economic efficiency and service quality. In terms of national economy, the increase in the number and quality of appropriate port investments and the transfer points where intermodal transits are achieved, international trade will increase, and logistics costs will decrease. Amongst the transport systems, intermodal transport plays an important role thanks to its cost advantages, positive impact on environment and efficient use of transport modes. From this viewpoint, this study aims to analyze the concept of intermodal transport, particularly in terms of the trade between Turkey and Peru. With the development of existing and alternative route options, Peru's current cargo volume will be transported more effectively and, there will be an increase in the volume of the cargo exported via Turkey. Thus, working on the transport optimization in intermodal transport networks is particularly important in terms of third-party logistics enterprises (3PL) and indirectly in terms of national economy. In the light of these, this study aims to evaluate the transport alternatives in terms of time, cost and distance by using the "Beresford Cost-Time Model" which was previously practiced on different routes and countries. In the study, twelve different intermodal transport routes in the field of iron steel merchant bars export to Peru from Turkey were determined and various evaluations were made in order to select the most optimum of these routes. The intermodal transport has helped to select the optimum route by using the Beresford Cost-Time Model. Besides, the respective main topics related to the trade between Turkey and Peru were analyzed and discussed through the interviews conducted by experts in this field. In the first part of the study, a general framework related to transport modes is drawn together with the concepts of transport and supply chain management. Then, the evaluation related to intermodal transport and its practices in Turkey and around the world is carried out. In the second part of the study, the trade between Turkey and Peru, important trade areas and current situation is revealed. Following these parts, the methodology of the study and the steps followed are explained in the third part. Then, the findings of the study are discussed. Finally, recommendations for further research and the limitations of the study are given. Keywords: Intermodal Transport, Transportation Mode Selection, Beresford Cost-Time Model, Iron Steel Merchant Bars, Turkey, Peru.