Rail and road are two of the most popular modes of transportation in Africa and most of the world.
There are usually misconceptions about both, leading to an overreliance on one.
However, this article examines their key differences and highlights how to pick the right one for your transportation.
Before that, some definitions……
What is Rail Transportation?
It is the movement of goods and people across land using a network of railways or railroads. This mode of transportation is one of the oldest, and its vehicle of choice is the train.
What is Road Transportation?
Road transportation is the movement of goods and people across the land, but unlike rail transportation, this mode of transportation has no specific medium. It is the most versatile mode of transportation and by far the most common across Africa.
Key Differences Between Rail and Road Transportation in Africa
1. Cost
Road transportation can be cost-effective for shorter distances and smaller loads. However, fuel and maintenance costs make it less cost-effective for large-scale and long-distance transportation.
Rail transportation tends to be more cost-effective when moving large quantities of commodities over long distances. Trains use less fuel per ton-mile than trucks, making them a more cost-effective option for large-scale transportation. However, short-distance transportation is rarely possible because of the structure of rails across Africa.
2. Infrastructure
Road transportation is based on a network of adaptable and flexible roads and highways. Road vehicles may travel almost everywhere there is a road, making them appropriate for both urban and rural settings.
Rail Transportation uses dedicated railway tracks that are less adaptable than roadways. Railways are less flexible to shifting routes.
3. Capacity
Road transportation uses trucks and other vehicles to carry freight weighing between 20,000 and 80,000 pounds, depending on the number of axles. However, more vehicles can be used to convey more cargo, but that will be telling on the price.
Rail transportation can carry a substantially higher volume of cargo. A freight train typically consists of 100 to 150 cars, each carrying up to 33,000 pounds. It indicates that a freight train can transport around 10,000,000 pounds of merchandise in a single journey.
4. Flexibility
Road transport typically has no schedule and is dispatched based on delivery requests. Truck itineraries and times can be tailored to fit individual requirements.
Rail transportation is less flexible. It sticks to a precise pre-planned timetable meticulously planned by rail authorities.
5. Sustainability Impact
Because internal combustion engines frequently power road vehicles, they have a higher environmental effect regarding emissions per unit of cargo or passenger.
The efficiency of electric or diesel-electric locomotives ensures rail transportation has a smaller environmental impact, especially when delivering large amounts of commodities.
6. Safety
Road transportation is more prone to accidents due to traffic, weather and road conditions, human mistakes, and other factors. Furthermore, truck drivers may stop their vehicles at any moment for traffic, a lunch break, or other reasons. These variables raise the possibility of damaged products or theft.
Rail transit has a substantially lower accident rate than car transport. Furthermore, trains have fewer stoppages and less handling of products, which promotes the safety of your items.
How to Choose the Right Mode for Your Transportation Purposes
1. Determine Your Transportation Requirements
Determine the amount of cargo you need to convey. Conclude on the starting and destination points and any intermediate stops. Finally, consider the cargo’s nature (e.g., perishable, hazardous, or enormous) and handling requirements.
2. Determine Distance and Route
Calculate the distance between the starting point and the final destination. Each mode of transportation is more efficient for short, medium, and long distances. Consider the route, considering any geographical or logistical difficulties, such as high terrain or inaccessible regions.
3. Cost Evaluation
Assess your budget, considering all associated expenditures such as gasoline, labour, maintenance, insurance, and infrastructure fees. Compare the prices of various transportation forms, considering the entire cost of ownership and operation.
4. Order Cycle Time
The order cycle time plays a huge role in the mode of transportation. In cases of urgency, road transportation will be the best option, especially when the cargo isn’t so much. On the other hand, rail transportation is known for its slower nature, which may be difficult to overcome.
Conclusion
Making the right transportation decision is critical in Africa, where various terrain and logistical obstacles abound. Road and rail transportation, both essential to the continent’s connectedness, provide diverse benefits and fulfill distinct functions.
Remember that your decision is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from cost-effectiveness and environmental impact to flexibility and capacity. Each mode has a certain purpose. With its adaptability and accessibility, road transportation thrives in shorter distances and customised itineraries.
On the other hand, rail transportation excels in terms of cost-efficiency and environmental benefits when transporting large amounts of material across long distances.
Obinabo Tochukwu Tabansi is an ex-supply chain professional turned ghostwriter with a decade of experience working in different facets of the supply chain. Today, he lives his passion for writing on all things supply chain and helping clients from across the globe communicate their thoughts and solutions seamlessly. His blog, Supply Chain Nuggets, is Africa’s fastest-rising supply chain blog, helping professionals, business owners, and curious minds navigate the continent’s complexities.
