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Which mode of transportation does over 90% of world trade depend on?

  1. Aircraft

  2. Ships

  3. Motor Carrier

  4. Rail

The correct answer is: Ships

Shipping by sea is the backbone of global trade, with over 90% of world trade by volume being transported via ships. This dominance is primarily due to the capacity of maritime transportation to move large quantities of goods over long distances at a relatively low cost compared to other modes. Ships can carry bulk cargoes, containers, and various types of freight, making them essential for international trade and commerce. The efficiency of global shipping routes, combined with the existence of large shipping fleets and ports equipped to handle significant volumes, further enhances their role in trade. While other modes, such as air transport, motor carriers, and rail systems, are important for specific types of goods or regional transit, none come close to the scale and cost-effectiveness of maritime transport for global trade. Thus, ships are fundamental to the logistics that support world economies, making them the most relied-upon transportation mode in international commerce.