When deciding which mode of transport should be used, the different advantages and disadvantages of the various modes of transport need to be taken into account.

To summarize the most important information, the advantages and disadvantages of the road transport are listed below. 

It can be seen that road transport is very flexible and adaptable due to the free choice of routes. However, it also reaches its capacity limits and is not entirely inexpensive.

• door-to-door-/conveyor-to-conveyor-transports are possible
• suitability for specific types of goods
• high flexibility (availability, costs, schedules)
• high adaptability to the rhythm of production
• almost unified road system in Europe
• accompanied transportation (by driver)
• low market entry barriers

• low labor productivity
• comparatively low mass performance
• comparatively high transport costs (per tkm)
• low energy efficiency
• high external costs
• exclusion of certain dangerous goods
• relatively uncertain transport processing due to traffic jams, weather effects etc.

Now you know the most important things about the road transport system. If you are interested in other modes of transport too, feel free to check our other topics rail transport system, inland waterway transport system, maritime transport system and air transport system.

Literature
Schulte, C. (1991): Logistik. Wege zur Optimierung des Material- und Informationsflusses. Verlag Franz Vahlen, München.