Transportation cost Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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transportation cost

[หŒtrรฆnspษ”หrหˆteษชสƒษ™n kษ’st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

The amount of money required to transport goods or people from one place to another.

Synonyms

carriage cost, shipping cost.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transportation cost

Used in general contexts to refer to the expenses associated with transporting goods or people from one place to another, often used in economic, logistic, or travel discussions.

  • The transportation cost of importing goods from China has increased significantly.
  • Reducing transportation costs can help a company improve its profit margins.
shipping cost

Specifically relates to the cost of transporting goods by ship, and is frequently used in contexts involving international trade, e-commerce, or delivery services.

  • The shipping cost for this item is $15, which will be added to your total at checkout.
  • International shipping costs can vary greatly depending on the destination and the size of the shipment.
carriage cost

Typically used in British English to refer to the expenses of transporting goods, often in legal, supply chain, or retail contexts.

  • The carriage cost will be added to your final invoice.
  • Ensure the carriage costs are agreed upon before signing the contract.

Examples of usage

  • The transportation cost for shipping these products to Europe is quite high.
  • We need to consider transportation costs when planning our budget for the project.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The overall expenses associated with moving people or goods from one location to another, including fuel, maintenance, and labor costs.

Synonyms

conveyance cost, travel cost.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transportation cost

Use when referring to the overall costs associated with moving goods or passengers from one place to another. This term is suitable for both business and everyday contexts.

  • The transportation cost for shipping the goods overseas was very high.
  • Companies need to consider transportation costs when planning their logistics.
travel cost

Use when referring to the expenses incurred by individuals traveling from one place to another. This term is more personal and less suitable for corporate use.

  • The travel cost for our vacation to Europe was lower than expected.
  • She saved up to cover her travel costs for the business trip.
conveyance cost

Typically used in formal or legal contexts when referring to the costs of transferring goods. This term is less common in everyday conversation.

  • The conveyance cost for delivering the machinery was included in the contract.
  • They needed to account for conveyance costs when acquiring new equipment.

Examples of usage

  • The transportation cost of commuting to work has increased due to rising gas prices.
  • We need to find ways to reduce transportation costs to improve our company's profitability.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Transportation costs can significantly affect the total price of goods, influencing how much consumers pay.
  • Higher transportation expenses can lead to increased prices for exports, making a country's products less competitive internationally.
  • Fuel prices, labor rates, and maintenance of vehicles are crucial factors affecting transportation costs.

Environmental Impact

  • Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; thus, reducing costs can also mean adopting greener methods.
  • Investing in efficient transportation systems can decrease overall costs while minimizing environmental harm.
  • The shift towards electric vehicles seeks to lessen the environmental costs associated with traditional fuel-based transportation.

Technological Advances

  • The rise of logistics software has changed how companies calculate and manage their transportation costs, making operations more efficient.
  • Technology like GPS and route optimization tools can help reduce costs by finding the fastest and most fuel-efficient routes.
  • Autonomous vehicles are being tested as a potential way to lower transportation costs in the future.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, transportation costs can impact social mobility, affecting people's ability to access jobs and education.
  • Festivals and events often bring challenges as transportation costs rise due to increased demand.
  • Public transport systems, which often have subsidized fares, highlight cultural investments in transportation to promote accessibility.

Origin of 'transportation cost'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'transportation' comes from the Latin 'transportare', meaning 'to carry across'.
  • The term 'cost' has roots in the Latin word 'costa', which means 'rib, side, or expense', highlighting the burden of expenses.

The term 'transportation cost' dates back to the mid-19th century when the expansion of railways and steamships led to increased trade and the need to calculate expenses related to moving goods and people. Over time, as different modes of transportation evolved, the concept of transportation cost became more complex, encompassing various factors such as distance, fuel prices, and infrastructure development.