Shipping to Turkey: How We Solve Transit Problems

Turkey is a new direction. Over the last 2 years, we've shipped dozens of loads to and from Turkey.

It's not an easy route: transit through several countries, different customs rules, complex logistics.

How we choose the route

• Via the Balkans: Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland – 10-12 days
• Via Ukraine: Ukraine, Moldova, Romania – 10-14 days

I choose the route based on cargo and deadlines.

What documents are needed for shipping to Turkey

1. CMR

2. Invoice

3. Packing list

4. Transit declaration

5. Transit permit

6. Turkish visa for the driver – mandatory!

Case study: shipping textiles from Istanbul

A client was shipping 6 tonnes of textiles. The driver hadn't arranged a Turkish visa in advance. I contacted an agent in Turkey, who arranged the visa at the border in 3 hours. The shipment continued with a 1-day delay.

Now I always check the driver's Turkish visa 3 days before departure.

What issues arise

1. Border queues – I choose times with fewer vehicles.

2. Documents in Turkish – I order translations in advance.

3. Different customs values – I help agree the value with customs.

Delivery times to Turkey

• Istanbul: 10-12 days
• Ankara: 11-13 days
• Izmir: 12-14 days

Conclusion

Turkey is a complex but interesting direction. If you prepare and check documents, everything will go smoothly.