Transportation provides time and place utility.
Transportation adds to the delivered cost of products paid by customers.
Because transporting often crosses regional, national, or international borders, governments play an important role by developing transportation systems. In the U.S., railroads carry more freight over more miles than any other mode. Railcar shipping is slow and limited to where track is laid but is ideal for many bulk and nonperishable goods. Trucks are more expensive than railroads as a shipping alternative but they offer tremendous flexibility for connecting buyers and sellers. In countries with good road systems, trucks are also a fast transportation alternative.