Translate the following text in written form. Use a dictionary if necessary. While reading, answer the following question: Which transporting alternative is the best?

Transport Modes

Transporting function must fit the whole strategy

The transporting function should fit into the whole marketing strategy. But picking the best transporting alternative can be difficult. The best alternative depends on the product, other physical distribution decisions, and what service level the company wants to offer. The best alternative should not only be as low-cost as possible but also provide the level of service (for example, speed and dependability) required. Exhibit 1 shows that different modes of transportation have different strengths and weaknesses. Low transporting cost is not the only criterion for selecting the best mode.

Exhibit 1 Benefits and Limitations of Different Transport Modes

Railroads – large loads moved at low cost

Railroads are the workhorse of transportation system of many countries. They carry more freight over more miles than any other mode. They carry heavy and bulky goods – such as raw materials, steel, chemicals, cars, canned goods, and machines – over long distances. By handling large quantities, the railroads are able to transport at relatively low cost. Because railroads freight moves more slowly than truck shipments, it is not as well suited for perishable items or those in urgent demand. Railroads are most efficient at handling full carloads of goods. Less-than-carload (LCL) shipments take a lot of handling, which means they usually move more slowly and at a higher price per pound than carload shipments.

Trucks are more expensive, but flexible and essential

The flexibility of trucks makes them better at moving small quantities of goods for short distances. They can travel on almost any road. They go where the rails can’t. That’s why at least 75 percent of U.S. consumer products travel part of the way from producer to consumer by truck. And in countries with good highway systems, trucks can give extremely fast service.

Ship it overseas – but slowly

Water transportation is the slowest shipping mode – but usually the lowest-cost way of shipping heavy freight. Water transportation is very important for international shipments and often the only practical approach.

Inland waterways are also important, especially for bulky, nonperishable products such as iron ore, grain, steel, petroleum products, cement, gravel, sand, and coal. However, when winter ice closes freshwater harbors, alternative transportation must be used.

Airfreight is expensive but fast and growing

The most expensive cargo transporting mode is airplane – but it is fast! Airfreight rates normally are at least twice as high as trucking rates – but the greater speed may offset the added cost.

High-value, low-weight goods – like high-fashion clothing and parts for the electronics and metal-working industries – are often shipped by air. Airfreight is also creating new transporting business. Perishable products that previously could not be shipped are now being flown across continents and oceans. Flowers and bulbs from Holland, for example, now are jet-flown to points all over the world.

But airplanes may cut the total cost of distribution

Using planes may help a firm reduce inventory and handling costs, spoilage, theft, and damage. Although the transporting cost of air shipments may be higher, the total cost of distribution may be lower. As more firms realize this, airfreight firms – like DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express, Airborne, and Emery Air freight – are enjoying rapid growth. These firms play an especially important role in the growth of international business.

Put it in a container – and move between modes easily

In this text the modes were described separately, but products often moved by several different modes and carriers during their journey. This is especially common for international shipments. Japanese firms – like Sony – ship stereos to the United States, Canada, and Europe by boat. When they arrive at the dock, they’re loaded on trains and sent across the country. Then the units are delivered to a wholesaler by truck or rail.

The growth of airfreight makes it easier and faster for firms to serve customers in foreign markets

2. Now look at the table in the text again. Which transport mode would you choose if: