Modes of Transport: Road Transport

Road Transport

It incorporates transport using road bound means like Lorries, trucks, vans, tankers etc. It is suitable for transporting durable, bulk products, door to door deliveries especially where the distances covered are not long. Categories of road transport include:

1. Own fleet e.g. company Lorries, Vans etc.
2. Contract hire e.g. Swan carriers, Andy forwarders etc
3. Public hauliers e.g. Signon freight.

Advantages of Road Transport

1. Roads are widely spread throughout the country therefore many places are accessible
2. It is a source of employment to drivers and conductors.
3. Special facilities e.g. refrigerated trucks make it possible to transport perishable goods
4. It is faster over short distances.
5. It is readily available especially in well-developed roads.
6. Promotes industrial growth.
7. Roads are widely spread throughout the country therefore many places are accessible
8. It is a source of employment to drivers and conductors.
9. Special facilities e.g. refrigerated trucks make it possible to transport perishable goods
10. Usually flexible.
11. It provides door-to-door service
12. It’s relative cheap compared with other modes of transport

Disadvantages of road transport

1. They cause environmental pollution because of gases they emit to the air.
2. Bad roads may be impassible during rainy season.
3. Causes traffic congestion and jam especially in towns and large cities.
4. It is slow and expensive when carrying bulky goods over long distances.
5. They cause environmental pollution because of gases they emit to the air.
6. They are more prone to accidents, theft and pilferage of goods
7. Bad roads may be impassible during rainy season.
8. Unreliable since road transporters don’t stick to strict time schedules
9. Not suitable for urgently required goods and perishable unless special facilities are installed.