Transportation Systems and Their Impact on Modern Society

57

Third Term

Week 10

Subject: Commerce

Class: SS1

Topic: TRANSPORTATION II (Forms (Air and pipeline) and documents involved in transportation)

Instructional Materials: Charts        

Content:

Transportation refers to the organised movement of people, goods, and services from one location to another using various modes such as road, rail, air, water, or pipeline.

It serves as a vital aid to trade and economic development by connecting producers with consumers, raw materials to industries, and finished goods to markets.

Transport by Air

Air transport refers to the movement of goods and passengers through the air using aircraft such as airplanes, helicopters, jets, rockets, and hovercrafts. It is recognised as the fastest and most convenient mode of transportation, though it is also the most costly. Air transport has significantly boosted global trade and international business activities.

Air travel operates through airports, which are equipped with advanced facilities for landing and takeoff. Notable airports in Nigeria include Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. Some airlines that have operated in Nigeria include Nigerian Airways, Belview, ADC, Okada Air, and Kabo Airlines.

Advantages Of Air Transport

1. Speed

Air transport is the quickest mode of moving passengers and goods, making it ideal for time-sensitive deliveries.

2. Perfect For Perishable And Fragile Goods

It is the best choice for transporting delicate items or goods that spoil quickly, like flowers, seafood, or medicines.

3. High Comfort And Luxury

Air travel offers superior comfort, with premium services and amenities, making it the most luxurious form of transportation.

4. Ideal For Long-Distance Travel

Airplanes easily cover long distances in a short time, for example, flights from Lagos to New York span over 5,000 kilometers.

5. Reliable Schedules

Flights operate on fixed timetables, ensuring timely arrivals and departures in most cases.

6. Multi-purpose Use

Beyond passenger travel, aircraft are used for aerial photography, crop spraying, surveying, and emergency services.

7. Military Applications

Air transport plays a strategic role in warfare, evident in operations like the U.S. “Desert Storm” campaign against Iraq in 1990.

8. No Infrastructure Required For Routes

Unlike roads or railways, air routes require no physical construction, reducing costs in that regard.

Disadvantages Of Air Transport

1. Limited Cargo Capacity

Aircraft cannot carry very heavy or bulky goods, making it unsuitable for items like machinery or building materials.

2. High Cost

Air transport is significantly more expensive compared to road, rail, or sea transport.

3. Weather-Dependent

Bad weather conditions can delay or cancel flights and make landings difficult.

4. Complex Procedures

Check-in, security checks, and boarding procedures can be time-consuming and stressful.

5. Incomplete Door-To-Door Service

Air travel often requires connecting with taxis or buses to complete the journey.

6. Lack Of Flexibility

Flights operate on fixed schedules, leaving little room for spontaneous changes.

7. Expensive Maintenance

Aircraft require high levels of technical maintenance and repairs, which are costly.

8. High Fatality Risk In Accidents

While rare, air crashes tend to result in severe casualties.

Pipeline Transportation

Pipeline transport refers to the method of moving liquids and gases such as water, crude oil, and natural gas through a system of pipes from one location to another. These pipes are usually installed underground and are especially useful for long-distance and continuous transportation of fluid products.

In Nigeria, for example, pipelines are used to move crude oil from Warri to the Kaduna refinery, supporting the operations of the petroleum industry.

Advantages Of Pipeline Transport

1. Low Maintenance Cost

The upkeep of pipelines is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective transport method once the infrastructure is in place.

2. High Safety Level

Since pipelines are installed underground, the risk of accidents is greatly reduced compared to road or rail transport.

3. Uninterrupted Flow

Liquids and gases can be transported continuously over long distances without delays or stoppages.

4. Reduces Road Congestion

With pipelines handling large volumes of liquid products, there’s less reliance on road tankers, easing traffic on highways.

5. Weather Resistant

Pipeline systems are generally not affected by weather conditions, ensuring steady delivery regardless of rain or sunshine.

6. 24/7 Operation

Pipelines can function around the clock, offering uninterrupted service day and night.

7. Highly Reliable

Pipeline transport is dependable, with minimal disruptions and no traffic-related delays.

Disadvantages Of Pipeline Transport

1. Leakages And Illegal Tapping

Pipelines can suffer from leaks or be illegally tapped, as seen in regions like the Niger Delta, leading to losses and environmental damage.

2. High Initial Cost

Laying pipelines involves a massive capital investment in terms of materials, equipment, and labour.

3. Easily Damaged

Construction projects or natural factors can damage pipelines, causing spills and delays.

4. Limited To Fluids

Pipelines are only suitable for transporting liquids or gases. Solid goods cannot be moved this way.

5. Weather And Environmental Exposure

Over time, exposure to environmental conditions can lead to rusting, wear and tear, or damage.

6. Single-Product Use

Typically, only one product flows in a pipeline at a time and in one direction, limiting flexibility.

7. Risk Of Vandalism

Sabotage and theft can occur, particularly in regions with poor security or unrest.

8. Fixed Routes

Once constructed, pipelines cannot be easily redirected or altered to serve new areas.

Documents Used In Transportation

1. Waybill

• A document issued by the carrier to acknowledge receipt of goods.
• Contains information like sender’s name, receiver’s name, type of goods, quantity, and destination.
• Used mainly in road and rail transport.

2. Consignment Note

• Issued when goods are delivered to a carrier for transportation.
• Acts as evidence of the contract of carriage.
• Contains details about goods, sender, receiver, and transport charges.
• Used in rail and road transport.

3. Bill of Lading (B/L)

• A contract between the exporter and shipping company in sea transport.
• Acknowledges that goods have been received on board.
• Can also serve as a document of title (ownership of goods).
• Types: Clean B/L, Dirty B/L, Straight B/L, Order B/L.

4. Air Waybill (AWB)

• Used in air transport, issued by airlines to confirm the receipt of goods.
• Not a document of title, but serves as a receipt and contract of carriage.

5. Delivery Note

• Issued by the supplier and accompanies goods during delivery.
• Lists the items being delivered for confirmation by the buyer.

6. Packing List

• A detailed list showing the contents of each package.
• Helps customs officials and receivers verify the shipment contents.

7. Certificate Of Origin

• States the country in which the goods were manufactured.
• Important for customs clearance and trade agreements.

8. Commercial Invoice

• Issued by the seller to the buyer.
• Contains details of goods, quantity, value, and payment terms.
• Used for customs declaration and tax calculation.

9. Insurance Certificate

• Proof that the goods in transit are insured against damage, theft, or loss.

10. Export License / Import License

• Government-issued document permitting the export or import of specific goods.
• Required for regulated or restricted items.

11. Dock Warrant / Wharfinger’s Receipt

• Used in sea transport when goods are deposited at the dock.
• Acts as evidence that goods have been received at the port.

12. Tally Sheet

• Used to record the actual quantity of goods loaded or unloaded.
• Common in bulk cargo handling.

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