COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY, OPERATING COSTS AND FUEL CONSUMPTION RATES OF FREIGHT TRANSPORT MODES BETWEEN THE LARGEST INDUSTRIAL CITIES AND SEAPORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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Abstract

The paper deals with aspects of efficiency within the five modes of freight transport, with special reference to the operating cost and fuel consumption rates between South Africa’s largest industrial cities and seaports. In particular, the paper deals with (a) the opportunities that exist for the
achievement of efficiency in freight transport; (b) the subgroups of economies that can enhance efficiency attainment in the freight transport industry; (c) prevailing cost structures, operating cost and fuel consumption rates within the five modes of freight transport; and (d) the salient economic features of the freight transport market. The research approach and methodology combine (a) a literature survey; (b) empiric research, (c) an analysis of the cost structures of freight transport operators from different modes of transport; and (d) interviews conducted with specialists in the freight transport industry.

Keywords: Economies of Density; Economies of Distance; Economies of Scale; Economies of Scope; Efficiency; Freight Transport; Fuel Consumption; Modes of Freight Transport; Transport Operating Cost

How to cite this paper:Pienaar, W. J. (2013). Comparative economic efficiency, operating costs and fuel consumption rates of freight transport modes between the largest industrial cities and seaports in South Africa. Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets & Institutions, 3(3), 16-27. https://doi.org/10.22495/rgcv3i3art2