Commodity Movement

in socialist countries, the planned organization of commodities deliveries to the oblasts and raions of the country. An efficient system of commodity movement presupposes the selection of the shortest possible routes from the place of production to the place of consumption, the most expedient method of moving goods through the economy, and the most convenient and economical type of transport. The selection of the shortest route requires the elimination of freight hauls beyond the boundaries of zones that have been determined as rational for freight flow and of unnecessary crosshauling and multiple movement of goods.

Economically expedient commodity movement is ensured with transit shipments from production enterprises to the retail network or with the passage of commodities through the storage facilities of wholesale and retail enterprises and organizations. The transit form of shipment has been facilitated by such factors as the placement of new food-processing enterprises and enterprises of light industry in the areas where the products will be consumed, by the enlargement of stores, and by the development of automotive transport and containerization. Commodity movement makes use of all types of transport. Along with railroad and water transport, automotive transport is widely used. The organization of commodity movement affects the time required for commodity circulation, the size of the commodity reserves, and the total costs of distribution.