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The transportation industry is economic activity that creates value by moving people and goods. This is a large and critical industry that provides a foundation for global economic production and quality of life. The following are the basic components of the transportation industry with a few related industries (in grey).
Transportation InfrastructureThe construction, maintenance and operation of transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, canals, airports, seaports and railways.Public TransportPassenger services that can be used for moving around a city and commuting such as trains, buses and ferries. For example, Japanese train companies handle around 15 billion passenger trips a year that are mostly daily commuters.
AirlinesAirlines carry more than 4.5 billion passengers a year. It is also common for express freight to be shipped by aircraft.RailwaysRailways that offer passenger and freight services. These often resemble monopolies that may be regulated as critical public infrastructure.Maritime ShippingMaritime freight services such as bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, refrigerated ships, general cargo ships and special cargo ships carry the bulk of world trade.
Cruise IndustryCruises offer a tour-like experience on a large ship that may offer entertainment and leisure activities. A single cruise ship can burn 150 tonnes of fuel a day and emit as much air pollution as a million cars.Trucking IndustryAnother backbone for the shipping of goods that tends to be an important employer due to its smaller scale. For example, trucking employs around 2 million people in the United States alone.
LogisticsLogistics is the industry that delivers goods end-to-end including the last mile. For example, a delivery service that delivers ecommerce orders to consumers. This includes complexities such a warehousing and customs.Taxis & DriversTaxis and similar services that convey passengers to a location of their choice.ToursTravel services that include an element of transport such as a bus tour.
Vehicle RentalsRentals of vehicles including small vehicles such as bicycles.InsuranceThe market for vehicle, freight and travel insurance.Ship BuildingThe construction of ships for transport. Considered a heavy industry.VehiclesThe design, manufacturing, marketing and sales of vehicles such as electric cars and buses.
AerospaceThe manufacturing and sales of commercial aircraft is considered part of the aerospace industry but is dependent on the transportation industry for its sales.SpaceThe space industry is historically viewed as part of the aerospace, technology or manufacturing industry that produces products such as rockets and satellites. As the space industry evolves it may begin to resemble an element of the transportation industry as it begins to carry more passengers or freight.|
Type | | Definition | Businesses and public services that create value by moving people and goods. | Related Concepts | |
Industries
This is the complete list of articles we have written about industries.
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ReferencesCBC, "A cruise ship's emissions are the same as 1 million cars: report", Sep 08, 2017.IATA, World Air Transport Statistics, 2019.East Japan Railway Company, Corporate Data, 2020.US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers, 2020.
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