The role of intermodal transportation and logistics distribution centers in international trade: the case of Turkish SMEs

Abstract

Logistics and trade has a strong positive relationship. Through ever-increasing of globalization, this correlation increases more day by day. Turkish logistics industry tries to adopt new technologies in terms of logistics, however, state officials seem to be unsure of what to implement. This is mainly because of the lack of a master plan in logistics industry. Lacking a master plan in logistics, state officials try to apply intermodal transportation mode through logistic distribution centers however, possibly the most valuable customers of these logistic distribution centers; SMEs have not been asked to stress their opinions and problems in terms of both logistics and trade. Therefore, any logistic solution that is said to be done for SMEs has no chance to be successful if the base lacks the opinions of SMEs. Thus, the main objective of this study is to request the opinions of SMEs in terms of logistics and discover their problems related to foreign trade activities. Furthermore, a guide is tried to be provided for state officials, SMEs, and logistics professional by suggesting possible locations to built logistic distribution centers in Turkey and stating the services that should be provided in those distribution centers. Data collected from 322 SMEs from Ankara, Denizli, and Manisa was analyzed by using descriptive, ANOVA, and t-tests. Findings reveal that, exporting SMEs and non-exporting SMEs are unsatisfied from high logistics costs regardless of their locations. They are expecting alternative transportation methods to road transportation mode since they are unhappy of being far from seaports. Finally, regarding the problems and demands of SMEs, three different locations are suggested for building logistic distribution centers and the services that should be provided in these distribution centers.