(a) State four factors that would determine the... | WAEC SSCE - Commerce - 2001 (Essay)

Question 1 Report

(a) State four factors that would determine the choice of transport by a businessman.

(b) State four advantages of :ad transport over rail transport

Answer

(a) Four factors that determine the choice of transport

Nature of the goods: perishable, fragile or bulky goods require particular means of carriage.
Cost of transport: the businessman compares the freight charges of the different means and chooses the most economical.
Distance and destination: long-distance or overseas movement may need rail, ship or air, while short distances suit road transport.
Speed and urgency: where goods are needed quickly, a faster means such as air or road is preferred.

(Others acceptable: safety/security of goods, availability of the means, value of the goods.)

(b) Four advantages of road transport over rail transport

Road transport offers a door-to-door service, delivering goods directly from seller to buyer without transhipment.
It is more flexible, as vehicles can reach interior areas not served by railway lines.
It is more suitable and cheaper for short distances and small loads.
It saves loading and unloading time, reducing the risk of damage and delay.

Answer Details

(a) Four factors that determine the choice of transport

Nature of the goods: perishable, fragile or bulky goods require particular means of carriage.
Cost of transport: the businessman compares the freight charges of the different means and chooses the most economical.
Distance and destination: long-distance or overseas movement may need rail, ship or air, while short distances suit road transport.
Speed and urgency: where goods are needed quickly, a faster means such as air or road is preferred.

(Others acceptable: safety/security of goods, availability of the means, value of the goods.)

(b) Four advantages of road transport over rail transport

Road transport offers a door-to-door service, delivering goods directly from seller to buyer without transhipment.
It is more flexible, as vehicles can reach interior areas not served by railway lines.
It is more suitable and cheaper for short distances and small loads.
It saves loading and unloading time, reducing the risk of damage and delay.

(a) State four factors that would determine the choice of transport by a businessman. (b) State four advantages of :ad transport over rail transport