Final answer:
Motor vehicle is the most common method of transporting hazardous materials due to its flexibility and extensive road network, although container ships are also critical for global trade, capable of transporting large quantities of cargo including hazardous materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common method of transporting hazardous materials is by motor vehicle. Although this wasn’t directly specified in the reference materials provided, motor vehicle transport is broadly used for the distribution of goods, including hazardous materials, due to its flexibility and the extensive road networks available. Transport via motor vehicle allows for door-to-door delivery and is often used in combination with other modes of transport, such as sea or rail.
However, it is important to note that large container ships play a critical role in global trade, as they are capable of carrying massive quantities of cargo, including hazardous materials, over very long stretches of open ocean. According to the reference provided, a typical container ship can transport 10,000 20-foot equivalent containers on a single voyage, highlighting the significant role that sea transportation plays in global supply chains.