Modes of

transportation
 Truck Air
Train

Transport
Pipeline Water
 Rail
Key benefits of rail freight include
• Reliable transit times and schedules
• Railroads are the most efficient form
of land transportation. One train can
haul the equivalent of over 400 trucks
• Fast and cost effective deliveries over
long distances. Typically over 500 miles
• Traditionally, rail has a strong safety
record.
• Helps in alleviating road congestion,
thus lowering emissions
Disadvantages:
• Huge Capital Outlay: The railway requires is large investment of capital. The cost of
construction, maintenance and overhead expenses are very high as compared to other
modes of transport. Moreover, the investments are specific and immobile. In case the
traffic is not sufficient, the investments may mean wastage of huge resources.
•  Unsuitable for Short Distance and Small Loads: Railway transport is unsuitable and
uneconomical for short distance and small traffic of goods.
• Monopoly: As railways require huge capital outlay, they may give rise to monopolies and
work against public interest at large. Even if controlled and managed by the government,
lack of competition may breed inefficiency and high costs. 
• Centralised Administration: Being the public utility service railways have monopoly
position and as such there is centralised administration. Local authorities fail to meet the
personal requirements of the people as compared to roadways. 
• No Rural Service: Because of huge capital requirements and traffic, railways cannot be
operated economically in rural areas. Thus, large rural areas have no railway service even
today. This causes much inconvenience to the people living in rural areas. 
•  Lack of Door to Door Service: Rail transport cannot provide door to door service as it is
tied to a particular track. Intermediate loading or unloading involves greater cost, more
wear and tear and wastage of time.
•  Lack of Flexibility: Another disadvantage of railway transport is its inflexibility. Its routes
and timings cannot be adjusted to individual requirements
 Truck
Road freight provides several advantages over
other modes of transportation such as
• Cost effectiveness
• Quick and scheduled delivery
• Local, over border, long or short haul
deliveries even in rural areas
• Flexible service
• Saving in Packing Cost compared to other
modes
• Track and trace of cargo and truck
• Complete door-to-door service and it is one of
the more economical means of transport.
Disadvantages:
• Seasonal Nature: Motor transport is not as
reliable as rail transport. During rainy or flood
season, roads become unfit and unsafe for use.
•  Accidents and Breakdowns:
• There are more chances of accidents and
breakdowns in case of motor transport. Thus,
motor transport is not as safe as rail transport.
• Unsuitable for Long Distance and Bulky
Traffic:
• This mode of transport is unsuitable and costly
for transporting cheap and bulky goods over
long distances.
• Slow Speed:
• The speed of motor transport is comparatively
slow and limited.
• Lack of Organisation:
• The road transport is comparatively less
organised. More often, it is irregular and
undependable. The rates charged for
transportation are also unstable and unequal.
 Air
Key benefits of air freight include
• Quick transit
• Less handling of cargo
• Less documentation
• Reliable arrival and departures
• Enhanced level of security for your cargo
Disadvantages: 
• Risky:
Air transport is the most risky form of transport because a minor accident may put a substantial
loss to the goods, passengers and the crew. The chances of accidents are greater in
comparison to other modes of transport.
• Very Costly:
Air transport is regarded as the costliest mode of transport. The operating cost of aero-planes
are higher and it involves a great deal of expenditure on the construction of aerodromes and
aircraft. Because of this reason the fare of air transport are so high that it becomes beyond
the reach the common people.
• Small Carrying Capacity:
The aircrafts have small carrying capacity and therefore these are not suitable for carrying
bulky and cheaper goods. the load capacity cannot be increased as it is found in case of rails.
• Unreliable:
Most of the air transport are uncertain and the unreliable because these are controlled by
weather condition. It is seriously affected by adverse weather conditions. Fog, snow and
heavy rain weather may cause cancellation of some flights.
• Huge Investment:
Air transport requires huge investment for construction and maintenance of aerodromes. It also
requires trained, experienced and skilled personnel which involves a substantial investment.
 Water
Key benefits of ocean freight include
• Suitable for wide range of products with long
lead times
• Large volumes. A single, ultra-large
container ship can carry +/-20,000 twenty-
foot equivalent units (TEU)
• Most environmental friendly among all
modes of transport
• Economical. Liner shipping is the most
efficient mode of transport for goods
• Extensive coverage around the world
• Multiple carrier options for the shippers
Disadvantages:
• Longer lead/delivery times
• Bad weather
• Difficult to monitor exact location of goods in transit
• Customs and Excise restrictions
• Could be costly
 Pipeline
• Advantages :
• 1.Reduction in cost of transportation is very
significant.
• 2. Supply through pipelines is very reliable. It
is free from obstacles in road and rail
transport.
• 3. In case of underground pipelines, the land
in which pipeline is laid can still be used for
agricultural use.
• 4. It ensures supply in remote areas where
road ways are not very good, also it provides
safe and secure supply for defence needs.
Disadvantages :
• Unlike roads no separate land acquisition is done
for pipelines, sometimes it is laid sidewise along the
road. Which is not very convenient if it is passing
through dense populated areas. Also there is
always a risk of damaging pipeline because of road
repair and other activities containing excavation.
• Illegal pilferage and wastage due to leak is a
problem in pipelines.
• Like other big linear structures patrolling and
maintenance of pipelines is a huge task.
• In case of chemicals and petroleum pipelines any
leak can cause an accident.
• In case of petroleum and minerals pipelines, as the
pipeline is laid in private owned lands also,
compensation is decided by P&MP act 1962. Which
contains many points, which are obsolete and not
feasible in modern time. Causing problems to both
land owners and companies laying pipelines.
 Conclusion
There are numerous options for transporting goods, and there may not
be one solution for your transportation needs. Each mode of
transport has its advantages and disadvantages. Prioritizing your
needs, understanding your shipment and comparing costs are
important when planning your shipment and choosing the best mode
of transport.
Thank you for your attention!