The implications of resource depletion for freight transport and distribution

The distribution of goods is essential to all developed economies and is dependent upon non-renewable resources of energy and raw materials which must become progressively scarcer and more expensive within the next fifty years. Although resource shortages are thought unlikely to bring transport systems to a half within this time, the historical trend towards concentration upon relatively resource extravagent modes and systems may create future problems. The purpose of this wideranging thesis is therefore to examine ways by which freight transport's dependence upon scarce resources may be reduced and to discuss the potential for a more efficient use of resources in distribution. [Continues.]