Geography of Transport and Trade

With the declining friction of distance, the real cost of transportation has also declined. A given price differential might be too small initially to support trade when transportation costs are high. Transport also contributes to economic development through job creation and its derived economic activities. Accordingly, a large number of direct and indirect (insurance, finance, packaging, handling, travel agencies, transit operators) employment are associated with transport. Producers and consumers take economic decisions on products, markets, costs, location, prices which are themselves based on transport services, their availability, costs and capacity. This is paradoxical as the perceived invisibility of transportation is derived from its efficiency. Understanding how mobility is linked with geography is main the purpose of this book. This book will be highly recommended to graduate students and professionals in the field of economy, commerce and management.