text: Appendix B
  Transportation Operations
  The United States Army Transportation Corps was born on 31 July 1942. The Transportation
  Corps motto is “Nothing happens until something moves!”. The purpose of this appendix is to
  describes the functions of the Transportation Corps. It provides doctrinal references to other
  publications that describe mode operations, intermodal operations, movement control, and
  theater distribution in greater details.
  MISSIONS AND FUNCTIONS
  B-1. Army transportation is one of the seven logistics elements and a crucial part of the sustainment
  warfighting function. It supports the movement of units, personnel, cargo, and materiel from their origins to
  final destinations globally. These operations encompass fort-to-port, port-to-port, port-to-end user, and return
  movements. Army transportation supports theater distribution and maneuver units, requiring integration with
  joint and strategic partners.
  B-2. Army transportation offers primary transportation support for the joint logistics enterprise, including
  Services and strategic partners. It encompasses four functions: mode operations, intermodal operations,
  movement control, and theater distribution.
  MODE OPERATIONS
  B-3. Mode operations are the execution of movements using various conveyances (truck, lighterage, railcar,
  aircraft) to transport cargo (ADP 4-0). Two transportation modes are available: surface and air.
  SURFACE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
  B-4. Surface modes consist of motor, waterway, and rail transportation. The motor mode utilizes ground
  assets, while the waterway mode employs ships, boats, and barges. The rail mode involves use of railways
  or railroads.
  Motor Transport Operations
  B-5. A motor transport operation is a ground support function that includes moving and transferring units,
  personnel, equipment, and supplies by motor vehicle to support operations (ATP 4-11). It is the primary land
  surface movement provider in the joint force, offering flexibility, multi-stop scheduling, and rerouting
  options. It sustains forces, prolongs endurance, and supports the Army’s force sustainment.
  Watercraft Operations
  B-6. Army watercraft provide rapid and responsive movement and maneuver support of combat configured
  and or combat-loaded forces, distributed sustainment to multiple austere nodes from strategic support areas,
  and austere access enablers to enhance force closure and sustainment operations. See ATP 4-15 for more on
  Army watercraft operations.
  Rail Operations
  B-7. Rail is a cost-effective way to transport large cargo quantities based on fixed routes beyond the
  noncontiguous AO protected by combat forces. The expeditionary railway center assesses rail capabilities
  and advises on employment. ATP 4-14 provides more on rail operations.
  AIR MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
  B-8. Air transport consists of fixed and rotary-wing assets. Fixed and rotary-wing airlift assets have size
  and weight limits for moving personnel and equipment. Air transport is rapid but costly.