Unit 6

Know how transport modes

are used in Retail
 Statement of aims and
measurable outcomes
By the end of the lesson the group will be able to:
 
Know how to access My Course and download
course materials
Know four transport modes in Retail
Explain what Containerisation is
Explain some reasons that affect choice of Mode of
transport
1.
Different modes of transport used in
Logistics
Watch the video Entitled ‘Keep the
Global Supply Chain Moving’
http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVYc
xi1rDgE&feature=related
Answer the questions in the
Workbook for Activity 1
Different modes of transport used in
Logistics
Road
Rail
Air
Sea
 Road Transport
Watch the video Entitled Supplying and
Distributing Goods Part 2’

http://
www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/supplying-and-dist
ributing-goods-in-britain-pt-2-2/7978.html
Answer the questions in the Workbook for Activity
2
Road Advantages
Relatively low cost
 Convenient,
extensive road
network
 Flexible, schedule
transport to suit
individuals
 Consignments can be
secure and private
Road Disadvantages
Long distances overland
can take more time
pollutes the environment
less safe than
alternatives
 stressful for drivers
 potential traffic delays
 can be expensive where
there are congestion or
road charges
Rail Advantages
Fast rail links
throughout Europe
Goods will be safe
ans secure
 more environmentally
friendly than
alternatives
 does not add to
congestion
Rail Disadvantages
Limited routes
 inflexible routes and
timetables, especially in
remote regions
 more expensive than
road transport
 sometimes unreliable i.e.
mechanical failure
Further transportation
may be needed from a rail
depot to final destination
Air Advantages
Fast for long distance
deliveries
 safe
High levels of security
Air Disadvantages
Expensive
 Unsuitable for some
goods
 limited routes, inflexible
timetables
 pollutes the environment
 airport taxes
Flights subject to delays
and cancellations
No door to door delivery
Sea Advantages
Ship large volumes at
low costs
Shipping containers
can be used for
further transportation
by road or rail
Sea Disadvantages
Very slow especially in
bad weather
relatively few ports
inflexible routes and
timetables
Tracking goods progress
is difficult
port duty or taxes -
requires inland
transportation
No door-to-door delivery
 Containerisation
Watch the video Entitled Supplying and Distributing Goods
Part 1’
http://
www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/supplying-and-dist
ributing-goods-in-britain-pt-1-2/7976.html

Answer the questions in the Workbook for Activity 4

 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
Where do the goods need to go? For example,
Europe has a large rail and inland waterway
network, but you may encounter problems if the
destination is especially remote.
There may be countries you can not travel through
and do not have adequate rail networks for example
 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
Distance to be travelled by goods i.e. Long
distances then Air travel may need to be used
Type of goods to be moved For example, if you
import fresh fruit or other perishable items, speed is
important. Transport by ship or road may not be
quick enough. 
Another issue is whether or not your goods need to
be kept refrigerated during transport
 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
What do you want to distribute? Size and weight will
affect the cost.
Can the goods be containerised?
Bulky cargo if not perishable then Sea travel may be
the most cost effective.
 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
How quickly does the product need to reach its
destination? This will affect what type of delivery
service you use and the cost - sending goods by air
is quicker but significantly more expensive than by
sea.
 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
How valuable are the goods?
High security and speed may be more important
then transportation costs
 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
How frequent do goods need to be delivered?
Daily, monthly, etc
Is there a tight delivery window
How much control is needed in timing of the
deliveries, e.g. whether your schedules fit with
train timetables
 Factors that affect choice of Mode of
transport
Legal requirements need to be adhered to such as
Environmental Laws, transport Laws and European
Working Directive,