Turkey: a market on the move

Next Stop

The Rail Cargo Group is among the leading providers in Turkey – with its own forwarding subsidiary, several TransFER connections and a clear goal: to link Europe and Asia efficiently and sustainably. But what does that mean in practice? And how do our customers benefit? Oktay Güngör and Çağatay Cengiz have the answers.

Thanks to its unique location, Turkey connects the major markets of Europe and Asia. At logitrans in Istanbul, we spoke with two colleagues who know the market inside out: Oktay Güngör (Sales Manager) and Çağatay Cengiz (Head of Service Delivery).

Turkey is a true gateway between Europe and Asia. Where is the market heading – and what role does RCG play?

Oktay: The Eurasian corridor will gain significant importance in the coming years. That’s why Turkey is investing heavily in infrastructure – for example, in a future rail link across the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. The Marmaray Tunnel, which already allows freight trains to run from the European part of Turkey to Asia, is currently heavily used by passenger traffic, meaning freight trains can only run at night. The goal is to reduce these bottlenecks – partly with support from international partners such as the EU and the CIS countries.

Looking at our services: What makes RCG particularly strong in the Turkish market?

Çağatay: Our TransFER connections are the backbone of our operations. These are our regular trains running on fixed timetables. Timing is crucial – and despite occasional delays at border crossings like Kapıkule, our transit times remain stable. With tracking & tracing and real-time updates, we ensure transparency and reliability. In the end, three things matter most to our customers: cost, fast delivery and a smooth information flow. 

Oktay: Our strongest connections are clearly TransFER Budapest–Istanbul and TransFER Sopron–Istanbul. Budapest acts as a hub – from there we reach Wels, Duisburg, Zeebrugge and many other regions. However, the largest volumes move between Sopron and Istanbul.

And what happens when things don’t go as planned? 

Çağatay: Then we react quickly and pragmatically. We find alternatives in case of congestion, use different routes or adjust processes at short notice to cushion disruptions. We’re also flexible with equipment and special loads – even for bulky or unusual goods, we find suitable solutions.

Which industries offer the greatest potential in Turkey – and why?

Oktay: Turkey is a major production hub for semi-finished and finished goods. Take a car, for example: the engine comes from Sweden, the engine block from Austria, the steel from Turkey – and final assembly takes place here. In conventional wagonload traffic, our biggest revenue comes from the sectors building materials and steel. Products like cement, rolled steel, rebar or insulation materials are difficult to transport by truck – one train replaces 40–50 trucks on Europe’s roads. That brings enormous cost advantages for companies. 

Çağatay: In the automotive industry, every minute counts. “Just-in-time” only works with reliable and predictable supply chains – and that’s what we deliver. We also score with block train solutions for steel and building materials. For consumer goods and food, short transit times and flexible schedules are often key – and here too, we adapt equipment and frequency to seasonal fluctuations.

Wow, one train replacing up to 50 trucks – that’s a powerful argument for rail. What else convinces customers to choose RCG? 

Oktay: Competitive prices, high capacity with up to 36 45ft containers per train, lower accident and damage risk compared to road transport, and fast border processes. While trucks often wait for days at the Kapıkule border crossing, our trains pass the border within 12 to 24 hours. 

Çağatay: And then there’s the environmental advantage. Rail transport is the more climate-friendly alternative to road and sea – and that’s becoming increasingly important for many companies. We also impress with stable transit times, reliable capacity management, efficient border and customs processes and operational flexibility.

Which topics dominated your discussions at logitrans Istanbul 2025?

Oktay: Price remains the key concern for customers. The market is transparent – many know exactly which providers serve which routes. For us, that means becoming even more efficient while continuing to stand out with service quality. Another important point is cross-selling: if a customer is satisfied with one service, trust grows. That’s how long-term partnerships develop – many of our customers have been with us for over ten years.

Finally: What’s your outlook for 2026?

Oktay: Flexibility, cost stability and transparent communication remain crucial. At the same time, we see great opportunities to expand our network and strengthen our intermodal offering towards Asia and the Middle East.