Transportation (Attention: Because I do not have the full citation information for the 3 articles provided, I have referred to them as follows in the text. Powerpoint, Japan PDF and Carbon PDF. You will need to insert the correct citation and add a Works Cited page, if that is required.)

As the global supply chain evolves and matures, there are several considerations to take into account in the areas of transportation and distribution. The global economy is in full swing, and exports are outpaced world GDP significantly. This high demand food goods has resulted in an increased need for more international shipping options, especially maritime transport -- moving materials by ship. Changing to a more international system is not without consequences, however, including the quite serious possibilities of piracy, terrorism and a substantial negative effect on the environment. For managers in charge of logistics and supply chain management, the "right choice" has become less and less clear.

Over the past 30 years there has been a dramatic shift in how much countries export to other nations. In 1970, exports were less than the world GDP. In 1990...

While in 1980 most exports were fuels and minerals -- petroleum, for example -- currently machinery and transport equipment and other manufactured goods lead the way. Combined, these two categories make up 80% of all world exports (Powerpoint, Slide 3). The modes of transportation available have also influenced exports. Roads and rail are often not good options. Roads are often underdeveloped and railway capacity can't keep up with demand, so ocean cargo liners are handling more and more trade traffic (Powerpoint, Slides 4,5,6). Technological advancements in logistics have also influenced shipping choices, as managers can use several modes of transportation (inter-modal systems) more efficiently while having the information they need about each mode at their fingertips.
One of the major consequences of the shift to maritime shipping has been the increasing threat of piracy and terrorism. People probably think of Somalia first when they hear of modern pirates, but there is also a large threat in Asia, specifically at the Strait of Malacca, which…