GLS has improved its coverage of Turkey, including faster transit times, by signing up MNG Kargo asits new network partner for the fast-growing market.
MNG Kargo has been realising nationwide parcel distribution for all GLS companies since May2008. Beginning in July, it will feed parcels from Turkey into the pan-European GLS network, theRoyal Mail parcels subsidiary said.
The Istanbul-based company, with 2,000 vehicles and over 6,000 employees, is the thirdlargest provider on the Turkish CEP market, according to GLS. MNG Kargo has a nationwide network of26 hubs and over 600 branches, as well as 1,150 mobile service stations covering remote regions.
In addition, it is the only company in Turkey that has eight of its own freight planes tohandle parcel and express distribution. By combining air and road transports, MNG Kargo realisesdeliveries for standard parcels within 24 hours for distances of up to 1,000 kilometres. Deliveriesto more distant national destinations take 48 hours.
“With the new partnership we have improved our connection to Turkey”, said GLS CEO Rico Back.“Among the advantages of the new partner are MNG Kargo’s closely-knit nationwide network, itscustoms clearance competence and modern IT system which ensures the necessary transparency inaccordance with GLS standards.”
Within the framework of the new partnership, regular delivery time for parcels departing fromGLS’ European hub in Neuenstein (Germany) to Turkey was reduced by one day. GLS parcels shippedfrom the GLS European hub are now en route for two to three days. Shipments that arrive at the hubon the evening of the first day from different European countries are shipped via airplane toIstanbul the next morning. Customs clearance usually takes place that same afternoon; deliverycommences the following day.
“GLS customers benefit from MNG Kargo’s broad experience with respect to airport handling inIstanbul, which facilitates a smooth workflow”, explained Back. “In addition, customs competence isparticularly important for imports to Turkey. Capable customs agents work exclusively for MNGKargo, which enables high-quality customs clearance already on the day of entry.”
Like all network partners, MNG Kargo is linked to the GLS pan-European IT system. Since theindividual code of each parcel is scanned at each interface in Turkey, seamless Tracking &Tracing is guaranteed.
MNG Kargo belongs to the MNG Group of Companies, a group consisting of over 40 companiesoperating not only in the transport sector (including its own airline) but also in the energy,construction, tourism, financial and media sectors.
