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Investigating and Weighing the Importance of Transport Mode Choice Factors: Dry-Cargo Shipping. A Case of Malawi

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  • Vincent Collins Matemba

    (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

  • Kasonde Mundende

    (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

  • Inonge Milupi

    (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

Abstract

Understanding the transport mode choice factors that are important to the commodity shippers is one of the important key aspects to consider when aiming for efficient and effective transport planning. Over the years, several studies have been conducted in other countries trying to establish the factors that influence commodity shippers’ decisions when choosing transport modes. While these factors have been unearthed, little is known about how these factors are prioritized in shipping decisions. This study therefore aimed to investigate the factors that influence transport mode choices and also examine how shippers weigh and rank these factors with regard to their importance. A descriptive research design within quantitative methodology was employed. Using a simple random sampling technique, 84 participants were recruited for this study. The findings of the study revealed that shipment travel time, transport cost, transport mode availability, and transport service reliability have an influence on how shippers choose a transport mode for their shipments. The study further revealed that transportation cost was the ranking transport modal choice factor among the factors. It was therefore recommended that the government should consider revitalising low-cost rail transportation to make it more efficient and responsive to shippers’ demands.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincent Collins Matemba & Kasonde Mundende & Inonge Milupi, 2023. "Investigating and Weighing the Importance of Transport Mode Choice Factors: Dry-Cargo Shipping. A Case of Malawi," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 10(10), pages 37-46, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjc:journl:v:10:y:2023:i:10:p:37-46
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wouter Zant, 2018. "Trains, Trade, and Transaction Costs: How Does Domestic Trade by Rail Affect Market Prices of Malawi Agricultural Commodities?," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 32(2), pages 334-356.
    2. Mary R Brooks & Sean M Puckett & David A Hensher & Adrian Sammons, 2012. "Understanding mode choice decisions: A study of Australian freight shippers," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 14(3), pages 274-299, September.
    3. Lall, Somik V. & Wang, Hyoung & Munthali, Thomas, 2009. "Explaining high transport costs within Malawi - bad roads or lack of trucking competition ?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 5133, The World Bank.
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    1. Vincent Collins Matemba & Kasonde Mundende & Inonge Milupi, 2023. "Correlates of Transport Mode Choice: Dry Commodity Movement. A Case of Malawi," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 10(11), pages 45-57, November.

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