A Qualitative Study on Covid-19 Effects on Logistics and Road Freight Transport: The Case of Cold Chain Transportation Companies in Turkey

This article aims to examine Covid-19 effects on logistics and road freight transport particularly on cold chain transportation companies transporting fresh fruit and vegetables in Turkey via semi-structured in-depth interviews. According to the results, the Covid-19 outbreak had both positive and negative effects on cold chain transportation. Especially with the declaration of Covid-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, different pandemic measures of the countries revealed various obstacles in cold chain transportation operations. Such difficulties basically emerged especially in the first year of the pandemic due to quarantine measures and problems in obtaining visas, employing drivers and difficulties in finding their substitutes. On the other hand, when compared to other sectors, cold chain transportation became one of the sectors least affected by the Covid-19 outbreak and it increased its popularity due to the increasing fresh food demand. Moreover, companies reorganized their operational activities to maintain them uninterruptedly and increase their profits, and some responded to changing demands with changing services. It is anticipated that the findings obtained from the study will help countries and companies to prepare for future pandemic periods and create competitive advantage.