WAEC Commerce 2003 Theory question 106

(a) Any five, explained: moves raw materials to factories; distributes finished goods to markets (bridges distance); widens the market, allowing large-scale production; helps stabilise prices by moving goods from surplus to shortage areas; moves workers and businessmen; aids specialisation; helps foreign trade; perishable goods reach consumers quickly.
(b) Tramp vessels (any three): no fixed routes or timetables; carry bulky cargo (coal, ore, timber, grain); hired on charter (time or voyage); freight rates fixed by supply and demand; go to any port where cargo is available.
Ocean liners (any two): sail on fixed routes at fixed times; fixed published freight rates; carry passengers and/or general cargo; owned by large shipping lines (often in conferences); fast and regular.

Contrast tramps (irregular) with liners (regular).