BNK Logistics plans international road freight from Turkey with full truckload (FTL) and groupage (LTL) options to Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Iran and Iraq. Working from Antalya, we start every shipment by understanding your cargo and delivery expectations, then choose the trailer, the route and the document set to match.
What we handle on a road shipment
- Cargo review: weight, volume, pallet count, stackability, temperature sensitivity and dangerous goods status.
- Model and equipment: FTL or LTL; curtainsider, reefer, mega or lowbed trailer.
- Route planning: border crossings, transit countries, ferry links and road conditions on the planned date.
- Loading coordination: loading time, ramp and load plan agreed with the shipper.
- Documents: CMR, invoice, packing list and product certificates kept together in one shipment folder.
- Tracking: milestones such as border exit, transhipment and estimated delivery shared through your tracking link.
FTL and LTL trucking from Turkey compared
| Criterion | Full truckload (FTL) | Groupage (LTL) |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer use | Dedicated to one shipper | Shared by several shippers |
| Typical cargo | Larger lots, heavy or bulky goods | A few pallets or cartons |
| Loading date | Set around your schedule | Follows the groupage departure plan |
| Handling | Usually door to door in one truck | Consolidation and distribution hubs |
| Transit time | More predictable | Can take a few days longer |
| Pricing basis | Per truck | Loading metres, volume or weight share |
Where the break-even point sits depends on weight, stackability and destination. We price both options when it is not obvious.
Trailer types
The standard trailer on international routes from Turkey and Europe is 13.6 m long and takes around 33 euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in a single layer.
| Trailer | Key feature | Typical cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Curtainsider (tautliner) | 13.6 m internal length, about 2.45 m wide and around 2.7 m high; side, top and rear loading | Palletised general cargo, building materials, packaged food, textiles |
| Reefer | Insulated body with refrigeration unit holding a set temperature | Fresh produce, cut flowers, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics |
| Mega | Low chassis giving about 3 m internal height and more volume | Light, bulky goods: furniture, foam, appliances, automotive parts |
| Lowbed | Low platform keeping tall and heavy units within road height limits | Construction machinery, generators, transformers, out-of-gauge equipment |
Exact dimensions vary by manufacturer, so for critical loads we confirm the actual inside measurements before loading.
Loading and load securing
- Pallets should be sound, stretch-wrapped and free of overhang.
- Heavy items go low and are placed to balance axle loads.
- Cargo is secured with straps, edge protectors, anti-slip mats or blocking.
- Non-stackable goods must be declared in advance, as they change the loading metres used.
- The loaded cargo and the sealed doors are photographed and added to the shipment folder.
Documents checklist
- Commercial invoice and packing list, with weights consistent across both
- CMR consignment note
- Export declaration
- TIR Carnet or transit declaration, depending on the route
- Certificate of origin or movement certificate
- Phytosanitary, veterinary or conformity certificates where the product requires them
Dangerous goods (paints, chemicals, aerosols, batteries) move under ADR rules with the correct UN number, packaging, labelling, equipped vehicle and trained driver. Requirements are confirmed against current regulations and destination-country rules before each shipment.
What drives the price
Road freight rates depend on origin and destination, route and number of transit countries, FTL or LTL, trailer type, backhaul availability and season, ferry and border costs, and waiting time at loading and unloading. We quote on the conditions valid for your shipment date.
Main corridors
- Europe: Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy and more. See road freight to Europe.
- Caucasus: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia. See Caucasus freight.
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan via the Caspian crossing, Iran transit or the northern route. See Central Asia freight.
- Iran and Iraq: see Iran freight and Iraq freight.
Border and route conditions are confirmed at the planning stage for every shipment. When road alone is not the best fit, we compare it with sea freight and rail freight.
Why BNK Logistics
- Planning first: we discuss the cargo, the addresses and the delivery expectation before proposing a truck.
- Multimodal view: road, sea, rail and combined options assessed together.
- A tracking link showing shipment stages, estimated delivery and shared documents such as the CMR and invoice.
- Communication in English, Turkish, Russian and Chinese, including WhatsApp.
- An office in Antalya where we can plan your shipment face to face.
Request a quote
Send us the pickup and delivery addresses, cargo type, packaging, number of pieces or pallets, dimensions, total weight, target shipping date and any special handling needs. You receive a tracking code when you submit the form, and our team follows up to agree the model and route.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a standard truck?
A 13.6 m standard trailer takes around 33 euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in one layer. With industrial pallets (120 × 100 cm) the number is lower. Weight limits are checked separately.
When should I choose FTL instead of LTL?
FTL usually makes sense once your cargo fills a large part of the trailer, is heavy or cannot share space, or when the delivery date is critical. For a few pallets, groupage is normally more economical. We can price both options for you.
How much longer does groupage take?
LTL cargo goes through consolidation and distribution, so delivery typically takes a few days longer than a dedicated truck. The exact difference depends on the groupage departure schedule and the destination region.
Do you carry temperature-controlled cargo?
Yes, we plan reefer transport for fresh produce, flowers, frozen food and other temperature-sensitive goods. The set temperature and any recording requirement are written into the shipment instructions.
Does CMR insurance cover the full value of my goods?
CMR insurance covers the carrier's liability within the limits of the CMR Convention, which may be below the actual cargo value. Separate cargo insurance is worth considering for full-value cover.
How can I follow my shipment?
Once the shipment is opened we send you a tracking link showing the stage, current location, estimated delivery and shared documents.
