Factors that businessman should keep in mind while selecting a suitable mode of transport are:
1. Cost of Service: Railways are a cheaper mode of transport for carrying heavy goods over long distances. However for small consignments over short distances motor transport would be cheaper. Air transport is the costliest.
2. Speed of Transport: Motor transport is faster than railways for short distances. However, railways are faster than motor transport over long distances because they operate on an exclusive track without much hindrances.
3. Flexibility of Service: Motor transport is the most flexible mode in comparison to rail, water and air transport.
4. Regularity of Service: Railways provide the most dependable and regular service. They follow a fixed time schedule and are not affected much by weather. On the other hand motor transport and ocean transport are affected by rain, snow etc.
5. Safety: Roadways and airways provide better safety and security to goods than waterways and railways.
