European And Nortb American Transport

European And North American Transport

[Name of the Writer]

[Name of the Institution]

European And North American Transport

Introduction

The importance of state of the art freight transportation system is undeniable. Freight transportation means transporting goods in bulk through trucks, ships, airplanes, and trains (Gilbert & Perl, 2018). The volume of goods being transported every day all over the world is increasing day after day (Gilbert & Perl, 2018). Reason being the increased global connectivity (Gilbert & Perl, 2018). And this volume of goods transported, in the near future, does not seem to decrease. Shared economic collaborations between nations being the primary reason for this. For instance, the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would connect far east Asia to Africa and Europe (Gilbert & Perl, 2018). It will reduce the time but would increase the volume of goods transported.

Discussion

The regions whom freight transportation systems are under discussion are North America and Europe. Most freight transportation capabilities and infrastructure of North America and Europe are similar. However, there are fine margins upon which the two systems are separated. The freight transportation system of Europe and North America is influenced by increased globalization and policy and legislation enacted (Woudsma, Jakubicek & Dablanc, 2016).

The advancements on the technological front have impacted the global freight transportation system positively. Modes of transportation have been efficiently enhanced, infrastructure being made even more sophisticated and reconciled with globally accepted standards. Europe and North America have huge imports annually which require immaculate transportation system (Woudsma, Jakubicek & Dablanc, 2016). However, both regions differ when it comes to the logistics of the goods. A stark contrast has been witnessed in intermediate rail terminals of the two regions. Transport policy of North America now relies on "Big Bang Approach" (Woudsma, Jakubicek & Dablanc, 2016). while Europe has more incremental legislation enacted. North America has railway tracks that extend over thousands of kilometers. However, Europe has short distances railway tracks. In Europe, many major organizations and firms tend to adopt a direct delivery approach that saves them from the hassle of passing through a distribution center. On the other hand, North America has great numbers of centers that serve distribution. In Europe, the gateways are linked to logistic platforms. However, in North America, gateways are situated near big markets. Both of these regions have employed railway tracks to send and receive goods, Europe has increased its dependence on railways. Most countries in North America still use cars and trucks.

With free trade agreements being signed world over between leaders amid growing globalization. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a major treaty signed between the US, Mexico, and Canada. The US has exempted Mexico from numerous trade duties. In exchange, the Mexican government has to curb the influx of migrants and immigrants entering illegally into the US. On the other hand, Europe has the European Union (EU). The legislation under NAFTA and EU transportation policy exempts all signatories from heavy tax duties. Traders and businessmen are allowed to carry out business related activities unrestricted. Hence, barriers to the connected global trade have reduced and member countries are exempted from high tariffs. Here are a few differences in this regard. NAFTA does not have a commission, courts, or dispute resolution, unlike the EU. However, the EU has an antitrust policy enacted.

Global policy implications have a wide range of repercussions on global trade. North America and Europe have recognized the sovereignty of all nations. Additionally, there are capitalist economies in both of the regions. As a result, politics and world affairs are intensifying and polarized.

Conclusion

The transportation system of the world needs to be changed for the good. North America and Europe comprise of major economic players that are contributing to worsening the global climate (Williams, 2017). In the years to come, the world must aim to move towards sustainability. Be it environmental or transportation. Sustainable transport would help to decrease the carbon footprint from the planet earth in the long run (Williams, 2017).

References

Gilbert, R., & Perl, A. (2018). Transport revolutions: moving people and freight without oil. Routledge.

Williams, K. (2017). Spatial planning, urban form and sustainable transport: An introduction. In Spatial Planning, Urban Form and Sustainable Transport (pp. 15-28). Routledge.

Woudsma, C., Jakubicek, P., & Dablanc, L. (2016). Logistics sprawl in North America: methodological issues and a case study in Toronto. Transportation Research Procedia, 12, 474-488.