The service, which leaves the UK daily and Turkey twice weekly, can also incorporate stop-offs in Germany, France, Belgium and notably Rotterdam - home of GAC's regional base and a key oil & gas and breakbulk location.
Responding to Growth
Ivo Verheyen, GAC's Group Vice President, Europe, notes that Istanbul is emerging as a hub for exporters and importers, especially from the fast-growing CIS countries and Iraq, and there is a clear need for competitive road freight solutions to and from Turkey, where GAC has nine long-established offices.
'This latest development of our core services builds on our strengths and expertise - including project logistics - in both Turkey and the UK, where we have nearly 30 offices. It was a natural step for GAC in Europe,' he says. 'The new groupage services represents our response to the rapid development of infrastructure and industry in and around Turkey, meeting new increased demand with simple solutions built on close communication and reliability."
GAC UK's Business Development Manager, Aziz Oztoprak, adds: "Turkey has witnessed remarkable growth. At 7% in 2011, it's one of the fastest recovering economies. In the first half of last year, GDP was even higher than China's. The natural result of that is increased cargo volumes and ever more discerning clients looking for reliable services from proven suppliers."
Cost Benefits & Greater Control
Oztoprak says that in addition to the cost savings offered by road freight compared to air freight, especially for oversized or heavy cargo, the service provides significant cost benefits for the ship spares logistics sector: "Bonded warehouse storage costs at arrival points can be hefty if the ship a spares delivery is destined for is delayed. Our GAC Turkey office can store cargo in a secure bonded warehouse at around 30% less than what an airline or agent would charge. The service also allows greater flexibility, control and ability to resolve any issues that may arise than would be possible if the cargo was air freighted."
All Cargoes
The GAC groupage service is available for exporters and importers and has existing clients from diverse sectors - anything from energy majors to fashion outlets. A full range of trailers including low bed, three metre high and tilt models is available to accommodate every type of cargo.
