Most delays in cross-border shipping do not start on the road or at sea. They start earlier: a transport mode that does not fit the cargo, an Incoterm that leaves responsibility unclear, or an invoice that does not match the packing list at the border. We work on those points first, then organise the move from pickup to delivery.
What we do as your freight forwarder in Turkey
- We listen: cargo type, packaging, number of pieces or pallets, dimensions, weight, target loading date and your buyer's delivery expectation.
- We plan: we compare road, sea and rail options — or a combination — on transit time, cost components and risk, and recommend a route with the reasoning behind it.
- We coordinate: we align documents and timing with your customs broker, supplier and consignee.
- We follow through: loading, border exit, transshipment and delivery are tracked and shared with you through a tracking link.
Choosing the transport mode
| Mode | Best suited for | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Road (FTL / LTL) | Door-to-door delivery to Europe, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq and Central Asia; time-sensitive and mid-volume cargo | Border congestion, transit permits, season and road conditions |
| Sea (FCL / LCL) | High tonnage, distant markets, cost-driven shipments | Pre- and on-carriage by road, transshipment, container free time |
| Rail | Long-distance, regular volumes on the China and Central Asia axis | Terminal access, transshipment points, line capacity |
| Intermodal | Routes where a single mode falls short on time or cost | Coordination and document continuity at transfer points |
For mode-specific details see our road freight, sea freight and rail freight pages.
Incoterms: where responsibility changes hands
Before quoting, we ask for the delivery term in your sales contract, because it defines where our plan starts and ends. Incoterms 2020 separates rules for any mode of transport (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP) from rules for sea and inland waterway only (FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF).
- EXW / FCA: the buyer arranges main carriage; we clarify the seller's share of loading and export formalities.
- CPT / CIP / CFR / CIF: the seller pays main freight, but risk passes to the buyer earlier — insurance cover should be agreed separately.
- DAP / DPU / DDP: delivery takes place in the destination country; under DDP, import clearance and duties fall on the seller, so destination rules are part of the plan from day one.
How a shipment runs, step by step
- Request: send pickup and delivery addresses, cargo details and target date via the web form, email or WhatsApp. A form submission gives you a tracking code.
- Plan and quote: route, mode, an indicative transit range and a clear list of what the quote includes.
- Document pre-check: we review draft invoice, packing list and certificates before loading.
- Loading: loading photos and documents go into the shipment folder.
- Customs and border: export declaration is filed by your licensed customs broker; we monitor transit and border stages with the broker and carrier.
- Tracking: the shared link shows the stage, current location, border exit, transshipment and delivery dates, plus shared documents such as the CMR and invoice.
- Delivery and close-out: signed documents are shared once delivery is complete.
Document checklist
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Export declaration
- Transport document: CMR for road, bill of lading for sea, rail consignment note for rail
- Origin or movement certificates: certificate of origin, EUR.1 or A.TR, depending on destination and trade agreement
- Product-specific documents: phytosanitary certificate, conformity documents, ADR paperwork for dangerous goods
- TIR carnet or transit declaration where required
Document requirements depend on cargo, route and destination and should be confirmed against current regulations. Because a carrier's liability under the CMR Convention is limited, we recommend considering separate cargo insurance for valuable goods.
Regions we serve
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan — our main operational focus. See Central Asia freight.
- China: sea, rail and combined plans to and from China.
- Iran, Iraq, Syria and Dubai (UAE): border and route conditions are confirmed at the planning stage for each shipment date. See Iran freight.
- Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan.
- Russia, Ukraine, Moldova.
- Europe: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy — see Europe freight.
Why work with BNK Logistics
- Planning first: we understand the cargo and the delivery expectation before proposing a route.
- Multimodal view: road, sea and rail are compared side by side.
- Tracking link: stage, location and shared documents in one place.
- One folder per shipment: CMR, invoice, packing list and photos kept together.
- Four languages: Turkish, English, Russian and Chinese, which makes direct contact with your consignee easier.
- Face-to-face meetings: at our office in Muratpaşa, Antalya.
What we need for a quote
Pickup and delivery addresses, cargo type, packaging, number of pieces or pallets, dimensions, total weight, target shipping date and any special handling needs. Send them via the form, by email to info@bnklojistik.com or on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How is the cost of international freight from Turkey calculated?
It depends on distance and route, transport mode, weight and volume, full or part load, season and border conditions. We do not publish fixed rates; we prepare a quote with clearly listed cost items based on your cargo details.
How long does shipping from Turkey take?
It varies by route and mode. For example, road freight to Germany typically takes around 4-7 days and to Kazakhstan around 7-10 days, while sea and rail take longer. Actual times depend on border congestion and season, so we give an indicative range when planning.
Do you handle customs clearance?
Customs declarations are filed by a licensed customs broker. We coordinate the transport side: a document set that matches the declaration, ready on time, and follow-up of transit and border stages with the broker and carrier.
Can you ship small quantities internationally?
Yes. Part loads (LTL) by road and LCL by sea are options for smaller volumes. Availability depends on the destination and consolidation opportunities at the time of shipment.
How do I track my shipment?
You receive a tracking code when you submit the request form. Once the shipment is opened, we share a tracking link showing the stage, current location, delivery dates and shared documents such as the CMR and invoice.
Which Incoterms do you work with?
We plan according to the term in your sales contract — EXW, FCA and DAP are common for road, while FOB or CIF are used for sea. What matters is that the point where responsibility transfers matches the transport plan.
