Reasons why a transporter of goods from Mombasa will prefer rail over road
1. Cost-effectiveness: Rail transport is generally more cost-effective than road transport for large-scale transportation of goods. Rail transport can carry large quantities of goods in one trip, which reduces the overall transportation cost.
2. Speed: Rail transport is faster than road transport in many cases. Trains can travel continuously without stopping for traffic jams, and rail tracks are often straighter and flatter than roads, which allows for higher speeds.
3. Capacity: Rail transport has a higher capacity than road transport. Trains can carry more goods in one trip than trucks, and rail cars can be linked together to form longer trains, increasing the capacity even further.
4. Safety: Rail transport is generally considered safer than road transport because of the controlled environment and consistent regulations. Rail tracks are designed to prevent derailments and collisions, and trains are operated by trained professionals.
5. Environmental impact: Rail transport is more environmentally friendly than road transport. Trains emit less pollution per ton of cargo moved, and they also produce less noise pollution.
6. Infrastructure: Rail transport infrastructure is generally more robust than road infrastructure. Rail tracks and bridges are designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, and maintenance is more consistent.
7. Reliability: Rail transport is generally considered more reliable than road transport because it is less susceptible to traffic jams, accidents, and other disruptions that can delay shipments.