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Feb 20, 2024

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Jane Doe SCLM436 4.2 Basic Modes of Transportation Citation: Mihlfeld & Associates (2018). The 6 Modes of Transportation . Retrieved from The Mihlfeld Mile.com. Summary: Understanding the capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages of each mode of transportation is an essential part in building an effective supply chain. Supply Chain and Logistics managers must be able to determine which carrier will be able to fit the four crucial traits: (1) who can move the largest volume of product (2) the fastest (3) over the best distance (4) for the lowest cost. There are five basic modes of transportation which are road, rail, air, water, intermodal, and pipeline. Each mode has its own capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages which companies must weigh based on their level of importance for each trait. In order to take the first step in selecting the right mode of transportation, shippers must first understand what makes each mode unique. Companies will weigh this with the sensitivity of the product being shipped [time, temperature, regulations ] so that the best decision can be determined. Beginning with the most common mode of transportation, Road transportation is more than just trucking but also walking, biking and automobiles. The advantage of road is that it is the most versatile of the modes especially considering the advancement of automobiles and infrastructure of the roads. This mode also has the least geographical limitations. Road transportation is also typically the final mode for other shipments carried by other modes. The size of the shipment is a determining factor in what type of mode of transportation is most efficient. With road transportation, small to medium sized parcels can be transported in regular sized vehicles. Larger shipments that weigh more 150lbs are deemed freight which must be transported on a truck. The disadvantage for road transportation are the external influences that can impact road transportation effectiveness such as weather and traffic conditions, road regulations, and capacity [truck driver] shortages. Maritime, or water transportation, is another common mode of transportation that has been used for centuries. Maritime has the capacity to transport the largest volume of freight at the lowest cost. However, water transportation is the slowest mode of transportation. Depending on regulations and tariffs, maritime can still be the best choice for transportation even being the slowest mode. As the newest and most expensive mode of transportation, air transportation is becoming an progressively advanced and dependable choice for high value freight. However, air transport is limited in capacity due to weight and volume restrictions for safety purposes. Air transport also produces the highest emissions, even more than ships. Finally, there is rail transportation which is the mode that is responsible for the expansion of the western world and is a pivotal piece to the progression of logistics since the early 19 th century. Rail transportation is commonly chosen when shipments are very bulky and typically uneconomical to ship by truck. Railway transports are limited to the already traced path from one point to another and
primarily only available in large urban areas. The advantages are that railroads are not impacted by traffic and is therefore a dependable mode to ship long hauls and less risk of damage. Although pipeline is not a traditional mode of transportation, it is important to note that the transportation of unrefined fossil fuel requires the controversial building of pipelines in order to pump crude oil safely and efficiently. Critique: This article explained the capabilities of each mode of transportation. Road allows shipments to move quickly as it can adapt to efficient routes and shippers can elect to send TL or LTL based on amount of freight needed to ship. Road transportation is subject to environmental conditions such as weather and traffic and has high variable costs. Rail transportation is good for long-distance high-volume freight inexpensively but is a slower mode and inflexible in routes. Water transportation can move the largest amount of freight internationally at the lowest cost but is the slowest mode and has a high amount of emissions. Air transportation is a dependable mode for high-value items but is the most expensive and the highest amount of emissions. Application: The goal of supply chain management is getting the right product to the right place at the right time. The goal of logistics management is moving the largest volume of product the fastest and farthest for the lowest cost. Considering all factors in addition to assessing product sensitivities, regulations and tariffs, I can determine which mode is best for my company.
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