FinLog Consult: Reliable Logistics Partners in Turkey

POST SERIES: Turkey — a key logistics hub between Europe and Asia

A practical guide for procurement and logistics: partner selection criteria, due diligence, KPI/SLA, RFP structure, contract terms and operational quality control for routes through Turkey.

Turkey is a strategic logistics hub between Europe and Asia. Choosing the right carrier, 3PL/4PL or port operator determines delivery speed, cost base and business security.

We prepared a practical guide to help you minimise risks and build stable international logistics chains.

Key partner selection criteria

• Network and capacity: coverage of main ports (Ambarlı, Mersin, İzmir, Samsun), owned fleet, agreements with ferry operators and guaranteed slots on key corridors (including BTK, Caspian routes).

• Reputation and compliance: no sanctions/customs violations, transparent HS‑code practices, certificates of origin.

• Technology: TMS/EDI, tracking, photo evidence, seal control, temperature sensors for reefers.

• Finance and flexibility: working with LCs/escrow, payment/installment options, cargo insurance coverage.

Due diligence and compliance checks

• Legal KYC/KYB: founders, beneficiaries, sanctions lists, court precedents.

• Operational audit: licenses, insurance, port/ferry agreements, backup fleet and crews.

• Process audit: SOPs for inspections, incident management, document retention (CMR/TIR, bills of lading, certificates).

• Commodity screening: HS‑code validation, dual‑use checks, EUD templates and end‑user verification procedures.

KPI and SLA — what to record

• Time SLAs: door‑to‑door, port‑to‑port, exit time from FTZ/warehouse, response time for bank/customs queries.

• Plan‑vs‑actual: ETD/ETA deviations, share of shipments without inspections, damage/overweight rates.

• Financial metrics: demurrage/detention, surcharges for expedited handling, extra‑service charges.

• Compliance KPIs: EUD availability, photo seals, cargo traceability.

RFP structure and bid evaluation

1. Technical brief: origin/destination ports, expected volumes, HS‑codes, temperature/hazard requirements.

2. Service levels: mandatory windows, alternative ports, SOPs for incidents, reporting format and EDI.

3. Commercial part: breakdown by leg (sea/rail/road/ferry), demurrage, surcharges, LCL/FCL.

4. Evaluation: 60/40 matrix (service/price), pilot shipments, SLA penalties/bonuses, rate‑review mechanism.

Contracts — risks and protection

• Liability and insurance: liability caps, mandatory “all‑risks” cargo cover, confirmation of P&I/CMR.

• Compliance clauses: mandatory EUD, ban on grey schemes, right to audit documents, dispute resolution.

• Digital proof: mandatory photo evidence, seal control, TMS/EDI integration, log storage for at least 3 years.

Operational quality control

• Weekly status reports and plan‑vs‑actual for voyages.

• Incident reports and quarterly QBRs to review SLA/KPI.

• Tender pool: minimum 2–3 alternative providers per leg and periodic mini‑tenders for peak periods.

How FinLog Consult can help

• Source and audit 3PL/4PL, carriers and port operators in Turkey with compliance and capacity checks.

• Develop RFPs, evaluate rates, run pilots and set up KPI/SLA and reporting.

• Draft contract clauses: protective mechanisms, insurance, compliance provisions.

• Operational support: slot/ferry management, cargo deblocking, optimisation of port costs.

Ready to improve your logistics through Turkey?

Contact FinLog Consult — we turn risks into manageable operational solutions.

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