Rail Transportation
Rail transportation is considered to be an environmentally friendly option as trains burn less fuel per ton-mile than road vehicles. A train can have as many as 100 wagons but only needs one driver making it cost effective. However, at each end of rail transit, frequently a road delivery is required which adds additional time and cost.
Table 1 identifies the strengths and weaknesses of rail transportation:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Faster average speeds | Must be supported by other modes of transport to carry out transfers to and from train stations |
| Links city centre to city centre | Inflexible in that trains can only run at certain times due to track availability |
| More environmentally friendly – less fuel per ton-mile than road | Not cost-effective for short journeys |
| Most efficient form of land transportation | |
| Bulk handling capacity | |
| Good safety record | |
| Reliable transit times and schedules | |
| Scope for automation (driverless trains) | |
| Minimal disruption in poor weather conditions | |
| Cost-effective over long distances | |
| Alleviates road congestion and emissions |
Road transportation is used extensively in developed countries where there is an established road network. It consist of a range of vehicles from articulated lorries to small vans and cars or even bicycles.
Table 2 identifies the strengths and weaknesses of road transportation:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Environmental impact |
| Capable of long and short distance journeys | Limited by size of vehicles |
| Can provide quick, scheduled deliveries | Can be affected by adverse weather conditions |
| Flexible with capability to support most collection and delivery points providing door-to-door service | Can be affected by and contributes towards road congestion |
| Easy to track | |
| Minimal handling of goods – e.g. no need for packing into container | |
| Easy to track and trace |
Table 2: The Strengths and Weaknesses of Road Transportation