Supply Chain Management – Transportation Modes

Supply Chain Management – Transportation Modes Introduction Transportation is a term used to refer to the conveyance of people and goods from one point to another. There are different modes of transport available depending on the nature of the commodity being transported, urgency and cost. The advancement in transport infrastructure and modes of transport has increased the convenience and ease of transport over the years. The main transportation channels are road, rail, pipelines, maritime and air.

Essentially, each mode of transportation has unique characteristics that differentiate it and makes it more preferable than other options.

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Motor Carriers Motor carriers, also referred to as trucks, is the most commonly used form of transportation not only in the United States, but also across the world. The advantages of motor carriers are their availability, flexibility, convenience, and speed. Motor carriers can be used for door-to-door deliveries as well as ferrying large shipments over a short or long distance (Bempong, 2018). Additionally, trucks can be used to carry a variety of cargo from fuel, to automobiles, to foodstuff.

Despite their numerous advantages, trucks also have disadvantages. Firstly, motor carriers are more susceptible to accidents than other forms of transport. Secondly, the motor carriage is dependent on a good transport network; therefore, it may not be possible in places where the terrain is not passable such as hilly areas or water bodies. Thirdly, poor or adverse weather conditions significantly affect truck transportation.

Rail Carriers Rail service is most preferable for the transportation of very bulky goods over a long distance. Rail is also preferred due to its low cost in comparison to other forms of transport.

Its key disadvantages are its inflexibility and slowness. Due to its slowness, it is not advisable to use rail carriers to transport perishable goods such as flowers or fruits over a long distance.

Rail service is only available in areas where there is a rail network. The construction of railroads and other rail infrastructure is a high capital investment (Wisner, Tan, & Leong, 2016). It is also one of the least ways to transport fragile goods over a long distance since it is not as sturdy as other most of the other forms of transportation.

Air Carriers

Air transportation is the fastest mode of transportation over long distances. The appeal of this mode of transportation is that it is not affected by physiographical constraints such as mountains and seas. This mode of transportation is also not affected by traffic congestion.

Additionally, air carriers are also highly dependable because, under normal conditions, they follow a schedule with strict arrival and departure times. One of the most significant disadvantages of air transport is that it cannot be used to transport very bulky goods due to size and capacity constraints. Secondly, air transport is relatively more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Water Carriers Conveying goods via water carriers is inexpensive and suitable for transporting bulky goods such as cars and machinery. The use of maritime transportation is inflexible and limited to countries and regions that have a water body (Hancock, 2012). Landlocked countries cannot use it. It is also the slowest means of transportation, and therefore not suitable for cargo that is perishable or is needed urgently.

Pipeline Carriers Pipeline carriers are used for the transportation of very specific goods. Constructing pipelines is a capital-intensive project, however, once built, maintenance costs are minimal, and it is, therefore, a viable long-term investment. Pipeline carriers transport oil, water, gas, and gasoline.

Conclusion Transportation is one of the most crucial elements in supply chain management.

Goods are rarely consumed at the time and place they are produced; transportation is necessary to convey them from one point to the next. The decision on which mode of

transport to use depends on the type of commodity to be transported, quantities, bulkiness, cost, and distance. Organizations should select the mode of transportation that facilitates effective customer service, proper handling of materials being ferried and are cost effective.

References Bempong, A. (2018). The Role of Transportation in Logistics Chain. TEXILA INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, 5(1), 147-161. doi: 10.21522/tijmg.2015.05.01.art015 Hancock, K. (2012). Measuring the transportation system from a supply chain perspective.

Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board.

Wisner, J., Tan, K., & Leong, G. (2016). Principles of supply chain management. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.