True or False: Truck cargo requires less packing and handling than rail cargo.
Answer: A — True
The assertion that truck cargo requires less packing and handling than rail cargo is typically true. This is mainly due to the nature of how cargo is transported via trucks in comparison to how it is moved by rail. When using trucking for transport, the cargo can often be loaded directly onto the truck from the point of origin and delivered straight to the final destination without the need for transfer between multiple modes of transportation or handling at terminals. This streamlined process minimizes the need for extensive packaging and handling, as trucks can accommodate a wide variety of cargo shapes and sizes directly. In contrast, rail transport usually involves more steps where cargo must be loaded onto rail cars, possibly transferred at hubs or intermodal terminals, and unloaded again for final delivery. Each of these steps can involve significant handling, which may require additional packing to ensure the cargo is secure and protected throughout its journey. Thus, the overall handling and packing requirements for truck cargo compared to rail cargo tend to be less, supporting the statement that truck cargo requires less packing and handling.