We spoke with Osman Karapınar, representative of Bor Lojistik, about how their experience in the iron and steel sector has shaped their logistics processes. Karapınar shared the cautious growth strategy they are following in response to uncertainties in global trade, as well as their goals for expanding their international operations.
Could you briefly tell us about Bor Logistics’ founding story and where the company stands today?
We can describe our founding story as a synergy born from the fusion of years of experience in the steel and logistics sectors. Today, we have evolved beyond just steel logistics to a point where we strive to be involved in every project.
Could you share your areas of operation and the primary sectors you serve?
Our main area of operation - and our starting point – has been flat product transportation. Today, the sectors we serve include iron and steel, machinery and equipment, and, to a lesser extent, food product transportation.
What are the primary challenges encountered when transporting steel products?
Workplace safety is now one of the top priorities in every workplace. In our logistics operations, ensuring that goods are transported without causing any workplace accidents - whether at loading or unloading sites or while in transit - is a key focus for us.
How significant are delivery times and cost management in the steel sector? What advantages do you offer your customers in this regard?
Especially following the pandemic, with significantly rising costs and the impact of raw material prices that have been declining for the past three years, the unit logistics cost per ton has become a substantial expense at this point. Through proper cargo and location planning, our infrastructure in regions where the sector is concentrated and our ability to act quickly, we are shortening delivery times and optimizing costs.
How have rising freight, fuel and operational costs affected the sector recently?
Looking specifically at the steel sector, while raw material prices have fallen, the rise in all other costs has unfortunately negatively impacted all aspects of commercial life. We are working with all our stakeholders to manage this process as effectively as possible.
Considering Turkey’s export-oriented industrial structure, how do you think the role of logistics companies has changed?
Export is our top priority as a nation. In this context, logistics companies continue to contribute to our exporting firms by opening offices abroad and providing warehousing and transit services.
How are the uncertainties in global trade (protectionist measures, carbon regulations, etc.) affecting logistics planning?
Logistics planning is actually a process that progresses in parallel with global trade. For this reason, our sector is more cautious when it comes to making new investments, and we are seeing a trend toward downsizing, particularly to reduce operational costs in the European region.
Sustainability and carbon footprint are now key topics in the logistics sector as well. What strategy are you following in this regard?
All our customers are already quite sensitive to this issue, and we select vehicles and engines in accordance with the specifications they share with us.
How do digitalization and data management contribute to your operations?
When addressing this question in the context of technology use, vehicle tracking systems, web-based communication and the effective and widespread use of mobile devices provide significant positive contributions and help us improve our operational costs.
What do you consider to be the most critical risks and opportunities in the logistics sector for 2026 and beyond?
The changing global order and the potential for conflict in our region pose the risk of both increasing our energy costs and limiting our mobility. We will only be able to speak of opportunities once peace is established and secure free trade becomes operational.
What are Bor Logistics’ medium- and long-term goals?
In the medium term, we aim for controlled growth in line with our target markets. In the long term, our goals include expanding the scope of our international operations.
Finally, is there anything else you’d like to say?
We would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity and hope that peace will come to our region and the world in 2026.