Distribution services, such as those provided by American Western Distribution, are responsible for delivering goods to the customer, whether it is the final consumer or another business. There are many different types of distribution services, but the most common include transportation, warehousing, and distribution logistics. Most goods are transported by truck, rail, ship, or plane. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, nearly 12 million vehicles move through the transportation network. Let’s look further at how they are transported.
Vessels
Large ships can transport goods across bodies of water. The Mississippi River is a popular vessel route because it connects many ports. New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the busiest ports in the United States. It’s estimated that over 3,000 vessels travel through the port each year. These vessels transport a variety of goods, including agricultural products, petroleum, cars, and coal. Freight vessels make it possible to transport goods between countries without relying on air.
Trucks
Trucks are the most common vehicle used for distribution services. They are versatile and transport a wide variety of goods. Trucking companies often specialize in certain goods, such as perishable items or hazardous materials. Trucks can transport goods across long distances or make local deliveries. Most domestic food distribution is done via truck. One must go through special training to become a CDL driver, which allows the transportation of these types of goods.
Rail
The U.S. still uses freight rail to transport many goods. Railroads are efficient and can move large quantities of goods at once. They’re often used to transport heavy or bulky items, such as coal or lumber. Many railroads have been operating for over 100 years and are an important part of the country’s infrastructure.
Planes
Air transportation is the fastest way to move goods, but it’s also the most expensive. Using air transport is best for time-sensitive items, such as perishables or medical supplies. Airfreight transports high-value items, such as electronics or jewelry. Workers load transported goods onto a plane in large containers called pallets. When you use mail services such as FedEx or UPS, your goods are moved by air before arriving at their final distribution truck.
There are many different ways to transport goods. The most common methods include trucks, trains, ships, and planes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Distribution services must choose the best method for each situation. For the distribution you need, get in touch with us at American Western Distribution today.
