Modes of Transport
As we know, products move as cargo through the following modes of transport: road, rail, water, air, and pipeline. Each mode has different characteristics, and cargo is often carried over more than one mode. Marketers must make distribution choices based on the following factors: cost, speed, flexibility, regularity, safety, and type of cargo. For example, low value commodity cargoes such as coal, or gypsum, are often shipped in high volume, low cost bulk shipments where the transportation can cost more than the commodity. High value or perishable goods are more considered with speed and safety. For example, fruits and vegetables must reach the market before ripening, where speed of transport is the key factor. High value goods, such as Rolex watches are subject to pilferage enroot to the retailer.