Developments in the transport sector regarding intermodality and logistics and reflections to Turkey

Intermodal transport and logistics which has been the core of the common transport policy of the European Union is a priority issue for Turkey as an acceeding country to EU. Increasing global competition is also putting pressure on improving intermodal transport systems and providing value added logistics services. Although passenger transport can be also intermodal, this dissertation involves only freight transport. Intermodal transport is the movement of goods in one and the same loading unit or road vehicle, which uses successively two or more modes of transport in an integrated manner, without loading or unloading, in a [door to door] transport chain. Intermodal transport requires the integration and organization of various transport modes, activities, resources and actors. Its this distinctive feature necessitates a common vision shared among all actors and the application of system approach in general. This dissertation aims to demonstrate the importance of the intermodal transport and logistics for Turkey to gain competitive advantage in global markets, focusing on the general background of intermodal freight transport and the recent global logistics trends undergoing constant innovation and reorganization to better meet the needs of global value chains, thus putting pressure on the transport providers, exporters and policymakers to provide efficient Intermodal transport system for the smooth, safe and rapid flow of goods from origin to destination. Within the framework of systems approach, basic factors of intermodal transport (infrastructures, terminals, actors) are reviewed with special emphasis to European and Asian transport corridors, and emerging intermodal terminals as distriparcs and freight villages. Special attention is paid to the demonstration of the recent policy, research and development projects of EU to support intermodal freight transport and logistics and draw perspectives for transport policy makers in Turkey. SWOT analysis of intermodal transport and logistics system in Turkey is also included in the dissertation and finally for its improvement, strategies and proposals are classified. Despite the various issues highlighted within the transport and logistics sector, Turkey has a rapid developing transport and logistics sector that is successfully adapting to the global requirements. As Turkey continues to develop, the transport and logistics sector is developing the systems and methods, as well as attracting the investment required, to be internationally competitive.. Key Words 1. Intermodal transport 2. Logistics 3. Supply chain management 4. European Union 5. Turkey