(a) State four services rendered by courier companies.
(b) State three advantages and three disadvantages of rail transport
Explanation
(a) Service rendered by courier companies:
i. They deliver important parcels and documents quickly and safely to their destinations.
ii. They provide air cargo and shipping services for their customers
iii. They provide recorded delivery services to a named customer/person/institution.
iv. They provide postal delivery services to remote areas.
v. They handle and deliver cash on behalf of customers
vi. They engage in business reply services as well as mail order business for their customers.
vii. They render door-to-door delivery.
(b) Advantages of rail transport:
i. It is suitable for the conveyance of heavy and bulky goods over long distances.
ii. It provides convenience services for passengers.
iii. It is a relatively safe means of transport.
iv. It operates on schedules.
v. It is very cheap because it has a standard rate of charges to passengers.
vi. It is not affected by traffic congestion or holds up.
Disadvantages of rail transport:
i. It requires a large capital outlay which individuals or small firms cannot afford.
ii. It is not flexible as it is not available everywhere.
iii. There is a high cost of maintaining the train and its rail tracks.
iv. Wherever there is an accident, the loss of life and goods is very enormous.
v. Goods sent by rail will require transshipment.
vi. It is slow on short distances.
vii. It is not suitable for perishable goods.