INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS – THE DOOR TO WORLD TRADE

What is international logistics? Is logistics different from “transport”? What meaning does the concept of international logistics encompass? What services does it offer? What are the advantages of international logistics? You can find answers to your questions on our blog.

What is international logistics?

Logistics is the basis of international trade activities. Logistics should not be considered only as a "transportation" concept, it includes different activities. Logistics refers to the management of product, service and information flow from the beginning to the last moment in order to meet the needs of the customers. All services such as planning, implementation, transportation, storage are part of the logistics operation. The purpose of logistics operations is to ensure that the product or material reaches the right place at the right time, in the right way. All conditions must be suitable and every item of transport must function flawlessly.

International logistics trade activities carried out between different countries are carried out through logistics companies. Logistics employees, who are responsible for the supply chain and regulation of the enterprises, are assigned to perform their products and services in the best way on the international platform. International logistics is actually a newer phenomenon compared to the concept of “logistics”. A definition can be made as the entire operation process of international transportation operations. International logistics service covers many responsibilities. International Logistics is one of the most important items of import and export for countries. For this reason, this operation should be carried out by completely professional companies.

International logistics is a process that enables the efficient transportation, storage and management of goods and services between different countries. This process has gained importance with the growth of global trade and increased international cooperation.

International logistics operates as a part of supply chain management. The supply chain includes all the activities in the process starting from production until the products reach the consumer. International logistics covers the delivery of products from the place of production to storage areas, ports, airports or border gates, and distribution from there to the destination country or region.

International logistics activities may include various elements such as:

• Transport: It involves moving products using different modes of transport such as sea, air, road and rail.

• Customs procedures: It ensures that the products are processed at the customs in accordance with the customs legislation of different countries.

• Storage and stock management: Temporary storage of products and effective management of stock levels are required.

• Logistics planning and management: It includes activities such as the design of logistics networks, routing, logistics cost analysis and scheduling.

• Risk management: It includes subjects such as taking precautions against different risks in different countries, security and insurance regulations.

• Information technologies: It includes the use of information technologies for the monitoring and management of logistics processes. 

International logistics plays an important role in keeping the supply chain running effectively and efficiently. It requires strong cooperation and coordination between logistics companies, shipping companies, customs brokerages and other stakeholders. Technological developments have helped to further optimize processes in logistics and have provided more sustainable solutions.

What kind of services do international logistics companies offer?

There are very successful logistics companies in this field in our country. Companies provide services in international transportation, supply chain management, warehouse services, distribution, project coordination, project management, customs services, insurance services, transportation and so on. With solution-oriented approaches, they always try to communicate effectively with customers because planning and communication are the basis of this operation. The transportation activities carried out have various branches; There are transportation means such as road transportation, rail transportation, sea transportation, air transportation. All these require different operations and management processes. Transportation activities should be carried out in accordance with international standards. In addition, international logistics companies act by considering the expectations of the customers and the mission of the company. It is important to make the right planning and management at the transportation stage as well as the timely delivery of the products of the companies. At this point, the importance of international logistics management emerges once again.

What is international logistics management?

It is the whole of activities such as customs, insurance services, packaging, distribution, transportation and so on. Each unit requires extra care because it is a logistics chain. A problem in the rings can affect the entire chain. Therefore, each unit should be managed meticulously. The concept of logistics depends entirely on accurate planning and quality time management. Although the purpose here seems to be "transportation", it basically covers many management processes. Being able to control, operate and plan are the main rules of good management. Possible crises that may occur before logistics management should always be calculated. Being solution-oriented and being able to manage the crisis correctly is one of the duties of the logistics company. In order for the services and control phase of the operation unit to be healthy, a foresight ability is absolutely necessary so that a plan B can be found in case of potential problems. Internal communication must also be within the plan and programming. Internal communication is also very important for the perfect progress of the logistics process. In order to avoid any problems in the delivery and distribution processes, every step of the in-house employees should be coordinated with each other. Logistics requires correct teamwork and coordination.

What are the advantages of international logistics?

International logistics contributes to the increase of global trade and cooperation by offering many advantages. One of the advantages of international logistics is the correct functioning of the supply chain. It allows the processes from the first producer to the final consumer to proceed without any problems. International logistics also helps to increase the volume of foreign trade, so this increase is reflected in revenues.

It leads to market expansion. International logistics allows companies to deliver their products and services to customers worldwide. In this way, companies can access larger and more diverse markets than local markets and reach more customers.

It provides competitive advantage. Companies operating in the global market can gain competitive advantage by effectively managing international logistics. Faster and more reliable delivery processes can increase customer satisfaction and set companies apart from other competitors.

International logistics provides strong cooperation and integration between businesses in different countries. This contributes to a more efficient and coordinated supply chain management.

International logistics can reduce costs by transporting and managing products more effectively. Optimizing logistics processes can help reduce storage and transportation costs and better manage stock levels.

International logistics promotes the transfer of technology and innovation between different countries. This increases access to advanced technologies and can make business processes more efficient.

It provides the advantage of sustainability. Effective logistics management can result in less energy consumption, reduced carbon footprint and more sustainable business practices.

Causes Economic Growth: International logistics promotes economic growth through increased international trade and increased cooperation. This creates more job opportunities and contributes to increased prosperity between countries.

All these advantages show that international logistics plays an important role for the global economy and helps companies succeed in a competitive environment.