Opportunities for Improvements of the Intermodal Transportation Chain: A Case Study of Intermodal Freight Operation Between Turkey and Serbia

In order to reduce the external costs of transportation, parties of logistics and transportation such as international organizations, governments, local authorities, transporters and users have been promoting the solutions which will create more efficient results. Within this framework, opportunities related to rail transportation and reducing the rate of use of road freight transportation are very important factors in a green environment. This paper focuses on the economic and environmental impacts of intermodal freight operations, rail transportation and intermodal freight terminals. On the other hand, results which will be obtained by using the intermodal freight terminals and rail transportation have been evaluated comparatively. In this context, several scenarios have been determined and they have been analyzed. In recent years, some concepts such as effectiveness, logistics costs and quick response had become more important with the globalization. These concepts were a result of competition, which have developed quickly. At the same time, not only competition occurs between companies, but also it was seen between global actors. Although these concepts have retained their importance, different subjects have begun to gain an importance, such as environment, human health and external costs of transportation. In order to reduce the environmental effects of the transportation, considering planning the differential and beneficial approaches has become imperative. One of the best ways is intermodality for solving the transportation problems. In this study, transportation alternatives and their effects were analyzed and new transportation alternatives between Turkey and Serbia have been recommended. Intermodal freight terminals which will be established in both Istanbul and Belgrade can be creating an effective solution for reducing the economic and external costs. On the other hand, it can provide sustainable and effective transportation system between two countries.