Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) Practice Exam

Which type of transportation is best suited for moving very large volumes of goods between continents?

1. Air

2. Truck

3. Water

4. Rail

The correct answer is: Water

Water transportation is best suited for moving very large volumes of goods between continents because it offers significant advantages in terms of capacity and cost-effectiveness. Shipping by water is capable of carrying massive quantities of cargo, which is ideal for bulk goods such as raw materials, agricultural products, and manufactured items. The vast size of cargo ships allows them to transport large containers efficiently, which helps to achieve economies of scale. Additionally, marine transport is generally more economical per ton-mile over long distances compared to other modes of transportation. This is particularly important for international trade, where shipping large volumes is necessary to meet demand while minimizing transportation costs. In contrast, air transportation, while fast, is usually limited to smaller volumes due to higher costs, making it less practical for bulk shipments. Truck and rail transportation can also be effective for moving goods but are typically more focused on regional or national supply chains rather than intercontinental movement. Therefore, for large-scale international shipping, water transportation stands out as the most viable option.