Increase in vehicle ownership has increased road traffic activities and the convenience for many people to travel at will at any time. Transport operation provides great support to the national economy, quality of life; national defense, rural and urban development. Proper management of road transport operations by the fleet manager is not only significant in saving the cost of operations, but also reduces the high accident rate that is likely caused by poor transport management. Road transport operations are determined by transport demand for different types of goods produced by different industries and the need for each individual to move from one area to another. However, efficient operations in road transportation is key to the growth and profitability of many industries in any given country. Nevertheless, here are the classes of road transport operations:
- Short Distance Transport Operation
- Long Distance Transport Operation
- National Transport Operation
- International Transport Operation.
Short Distance Transport Operation
This is the movement by road transportation within the region that is close to people or things.
Long Distance Transport Operation
This is the movement by road transportation with spatial remoteness from one place to another. This is usually defined by travel time or the time spent to cover a particular journey i.e. (between origin and destination).
National Transport Operation
This is the movement of people or things within the nation. The road transport operations within or across a country plays inevitable role in developing a nation. Therefore, national operation in road transportation is the road network or link within and beyond the boundaries of different states within a country.
International Transport Operation
This refers to road transportation across the borders. The need for road transportation across the borders cannot be overemphasized when you consider the need for global economic expansion. Road transportation has been a major tool for expanding business activities across borders, mostly in African countries where the cost of taking a flight may be a serious challenge to small and medium business owners. Indeed, the economic growth between two or more neighboring countries depends largely on international transport operations. This explains the thought of transport expert, Maciulis (2009), that ‘… Better transport infrastructure is the core element for business expansion.’ (p. 94)
In conclusion:
Road transport operation is an inevitable part of our existence in the society; it has the potential to determine our lifestyle, our business locations, residential locations and our business activities at large. Undoubtedly, it is a potential means of developing a nation.
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