Evaluation of Logistics Cost and Turkish Logistics Ports

Logistics, as defined by the Council of Logistics Management, "is that part of the supply chain process that plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption in order to meet customers' requirements." As global logistics becomes a worldwide trend, ports are required to provide users with appropriate logistics solutions. Traditional port services of loading and discharging need to be supplemented in order to meet the sophisticated requirements of global shippers. Modern ports can offer a variety of value added logistics services such as warehousing, assembling, distribution, packaging, labelling, quality control, information and communications as well as accommodation for the institutional players such as banking, customs, freight forwarders, shipping agents, etc. Logistics costs are an important factor affecting the competitiveness of both firms and nations. Firms can enhance their market competitiveness by reducing their logistics costs, thus lowering the total costs of goods and services. This paper can be analyzed to compare with general logistics cost and port logistics cost. In this paper, the subjects will contained by arranging followings stage: The logistics concept, total cost concept, the port logistics cost, the kind of port logistics cost, comparison of general logistics costs and port logistics cost. Consequently, the situation of Turkey's port logistics cost will be explained.