Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Chapter 3 Characteristics of international transport modes

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Topics covered in this chapter The role and essentials of a transport system Canals and inland waterways International air transport International road transport International rail transport EuroTunnel

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch The role and essentials of a transport system Focus is on the essentials of a modern transport system. In particular future developments in an era of logistics and globalisation of trade. Note particularly that efficient transport facilitate the development of an economy especially globally. Canals and inland waterways A developing form of transport especially in Europe. Check out through research future developments especially in areas of seaports modernisation infrastructure as found in Rotterdam.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch International air transport A growth industry with many international airports being enlarged and in the Far East new air ports being built. Comprehend fully the advantages of air freight distribution, the category of cargo they attract, the value added benefit, and the opportunities to develop new markets. Check out future developments of the sea–air bridge, Table 3.3. It is important to note the air freight services are more frequent when compared with sea schedules, and the airport location is usually inland and often closer both to the exporter and importer destination.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch International road transport Road transport remains a popular and in many seaports the primary means of distribution offering a door to door service. A very high volume of cargo is carried by road in North America and Europe including Trans–European schedules. The tariffs are competitive and the international road operators are freight forwarders. Note the range of trader units available in road haulage. Table 3.4.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch International rail transport Rail transport is an economical form of distribution in high volume regular markets and governments/rail authorities are giving high priority to rail freight investment to/from seaports to inland industrial areas often crossing international frontiers to develop an integrated transport network logistically driven. It focuses on container trains and single commodity cargoes. Note the EU transport projects. Table 3.5, Wagon types. Table 3.6 and Swap bodies Table 3.7

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch EuroTunnel One of the longest subterranean railway tunnels in the world linking the UK and Continental railway networks. A wide range of freight trains services are being developed – part of EU policy to switch international road freight to rail in volume markets. Note planned railway project in the Far East and the high speed rail services being developed in Europe.

Use with Export Practice & Management Fifth Edition by Alan Branch ISBN 1–84480–081–4 © 2006 Alan Branch Key concepts Ensure you fully understand the following: Role/essentials of a transport system in the context of facilitating trade. Canals and inland waterway network in Europe and their ongoing development. International air transport and the benefits/opportunities to develop trade. Analysis of sea/air services. Tables 3.3 International road transport and its cost/benefit factor. International rail transport and growth in the hub port network. EuroTunnel and freight train developments.