Fig. 1 shows the route options considered by a furniture business that sends flat-pack goods from its factory to a retailer in a nearby country. The company...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows the route options considered by a furniture business that sends flat-pack goods from its factory to a retailer in a nearby country. The company needs a reliable transport option for a 400-mile journey. Road freight can travel directly to the shop, while rail freight must first be moved by road to a rail terminal.
(a) Identify the transport method shown by route B. [1]
(b) State two reasons why the business may choose route A for urgent products. [2]
(c) Explain one disadvantage of using route B rather than route A for small customer orders. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Route B is rail freight. [1]
(b) Route A is suitable for urgent products because it allows direct delivery to the retailer and has no transfer at rail terminals. This makes it faster and also allows delivery to places without rail access. Any two. [2]
(c) A small order may not fill a rail wagon or container, so the cost per unit can be high. Rail also requires road transport and handling at terminals, which can add delay and increase the chance of damage. This is why rail can be less suitable than direct road transport for small customer orders. [3]
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