TNT this month launched a daily, scheduled road service to Istanbul in response to increasing tradebetween Turkey and the EU and beyond and also started twice-weekly connections to Kosovo to expand
its European road network.The route links Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria, and on to all countries in Europe via TNT’sEuropean road network. TNT said it is currently the only express operator to run a scheduled roadconnection between all of Europe and Istanbul, offering an economical and reliable alternative forless urgent shipments. The new daily road service is an addition to TNT’s existing overnight airexpress service to Istanbul.
Transit times from Istanbul to key European business centres vary from four to seven days,depending on distance to destination. In Turkey, TNT operates a network comprising 26 hubs anddepots, as well as a fleet of 328 vehicles, which connect Istanbul with other large cities, such asAnkara, Izmir, Adana and Bursa.
Turkey’s economy has grown on average by 6 per cent annually since 2010, supported bydomestic demand and the improvement in trade activity. It is expected to expand 3 per cent in 2015,according to the IMF. The EU is Turkey’s number one import and export partner, according to WorldBank statistics.
In addition, TNT has also started a twice-weekly road connection between Sofia and Pristina,the capital of Kosovo, to extend its coverage of South East Europe. The service provides customerswith the ability to ship pallets of up to 500kg as well as parcels. These shipments reach Pristinawithin one business day after departure from Sofia.
“TNT has the strongest, fastest and broadest road network in Europe. These latest routesfurther enhance the operational strength of TNT’s European road network by providing greater accessto the fast-moving markets of South East Europe and supporting a closer integration with the EU,”said Ian Clough, Managing Director, TNT International Europe.
The Dutch company said the enhancements are its latest actions under its Outlook strategy toincrease the reach, speed and efficiency of its road delivery operations in Europe. The EuropeanRoad Network, with 19 hubs and 550 depots, connects more than 40 European countries, offeringday-definite delivery services.
TNT plans to invest €185 million in its European road network over the next four years,aiming to make it “the preferred road delivery service in terms of quality, speed, coverage andvalue”. Investments will cover spending on automation equipment, facilities, planning tools, andtrailers, including new sorting equipment at international road transit hubs in countries such asFrance, Germany, the UK, Benelux, Spain, Poland and Sweden. In total, 12 of the company’s 19 hubswill receive significant upgrades, with a particular focus on five international hubs.
