Which term describes industries that should locate near raw material sources because their inputs are heavier to transport than the final product?

• A. bulk-increasing industries
• B. service industries
• C. light manufacturing
• D. bulk-reducing businesses

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that location is chosen to minimize transport costs when weight matters. In bulk-reducing industries, the inputs to the production process are heavier than the final product, so it makes sense to locate production close to where those heavy raw materials come from. This minimizes the cost of moving bulky inputs—the heavy stuff doesn’t have to travel far. After processing, the lighter product is easier and cheaper to ship to markets. For example, cement plants are situated near limestone quarries to avoid shipping heavy rock over long distances. Other types don’t fit this pattern: bulk-increasing industries produce a heavier product than their inputs and typically locate nearer to their markets, while service and light manufacturing industries aren’t driven by the same weight-based transport considerations.