OREANDA-NEWS. Express delivery company TNT this month launched a daily, scheduled road service to Istanbul in response to increasing trade between Turkey and the EU and beyond. The route links Istanbul to Sofia, Bulgaria, and on to all countries in Europe via TNT's European road network. TNT is currently the only express operator to run a scheduled road connection between all of Europe and Istanbul, offering an economical and reliable alternative for less urgent shipments.

Transit times from Istanbul to key European business centres vary from four to seven days, depending on distance to destination. In Turkey, TNT operates a network comprising 26 hubs and depots, as well as a fleet of 328 vehicles, which connect Istanbul with other large cities, such as Ankara, Izmir, Adana and Bursa. The new daily road service is an addition to TNT's existing overnight air express service to Istanbul.

Turkey's economy has grown on average by 6 percent annually since 2010, supported by domestic demand and the improvement in trade activity. It is expected to expand 3 percent in 20151. The EU is Turkey's number one import and export partner (World Bank, 2014).

TNT has also started a twice-weekly road connection between Sofia and Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, to extend its coverage of South East Europe. The service provides customers with the ability to ship pallets of up to 500kg as well as parcels. These shipments reach Pristina within one business day after departure from Sofia.

These enhancements are TNT's latest actions under its Outlook strategy to increase the reach, speed and efficiency of its road delivery operations in Europe.

"TNT has the strongest, fastest and broadest road network in Europe. These latest routes further enhance the operational strength of TNT's European road network by providing greater access to the fast-moving markets of South East Europe and supporting a closer integration with the EU," said Ian Clough, Managing Director, TNT International Europe.