1. Cost : Water transport is the cheapest means of transport for carrying bulky goods over long distance road when time is not essential. Railway is cheaper than road transport for heavy goods and long distance movement.
For small consignments carried over short distance, transport is cheapest. Air transport is the costliest means of transport because its operational cost is too high and its capacity is limited.

2. Carrying capacity : Railways and waterways have larger carrying capacity than other means of transport. They are also cheaper when the whole wagon or vessel is booked for sending the cargo.

3. Speed : Air transport gets first ranking while waterways is the slowest means of transport. Road transport is faster than rail transport over short distance only but for long distances rail transport is faster than road transport.

4. Flexibility of Services : Water, rail and air transports are not flexible as they suffer from the problem of terminal because goods have to be carried to and from the terminal. Road transport is flexible as it covers the maximum areas of the country and is capable of providing door-to-door service. Road transport acts as a complementary service to the other modes of transport.

5. Regularity of Service : Rail transport is the most regular service as it follows regular schedules and is uninfluenced by weather conditions. Road, water and air transport are greatly influenced by weather conditions. Impact of weather on road is comparatively less as compared to airways and waterways.

6. Safety : Roads are considered as safest means of transport. Rails are less prove to accidents as compared to road vehicles. Airways and waterways are the most risky modes of transport.