CPL Transportation Mode Selection & Routing 3

Question 1

Which transportation mode is best suited for bulk shipments of grain moving from the Midwest to Gulf Coast export terminals?

Accepted Answer

Inland waterway barge

Answer

Inland waterway barges are ideal for bulk agricultural commodities like grain moving to Gulf Coast ports, offering the lowest cost per ton-mile for high-volume, non-time-sensitive cargo.

Question 2

When evaluating transportation modes using the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach, which cost element is often overlooked?

Accepted Answer

Inventory carrying costs during transit

Answer

Inventory carrying costs during transit (in-transit inventory) are often overlooked but are significant, as slower modes tie up capital in goods while they move.

Question 3

A logistics manager wants to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reasonable transit times for cross-country shipments. Which mode shift is most impactful?

Accepted Answer

Switch from truckload to intermodal rail

Answer

Shifting from truckload to intermodal rail can reduce carbon emissions by 75% or more per ton-mile while maintaining acceptable transit times for most domestic freight.

Question 4

What does 'freight equalization' mean in transportation pricing?

Accepted Answer

Absorbing freight costs to match a competitor's delivered price

Answer

Freight equalization is a pricing strategy where a seller absorbs some or all freight costs to offer buyers a delivered price equal to that of a competitor located closer to the buyer.

Question 5

In multimodal transportation planning, what is a 'ramp-to-ramp' service?

Accepted Answer

An intermodal service measured between rail terminals, excluding drayage

Answer

Ramp-to-ramp service refers to the rail portion of an intermodal move, measured between origin and destination rail terminals, excluding the truck drayage segments.

(CPL) Certified Professional Logistician Practice Test

(CPL) Certified Professional Logistician Practice Test

CPL Transportation Mode Selection & Routing 3