The activities of the Transportation Branch of the New Zealand Railways cover a wide range. This Branch is responsible for the operation of train services, communications, railway stations, goods depots, and shunting yards. The operations include the transport of all passengers, parcels and goods traffic from the originating station or depot to destination. The following article gives an account of the organisation which is established to ensure prompt, safe and efficient transport of passengers and commodities.

Transportation is an essential part of the process of production. Coal is not of use when it is underground, but to be a utility it has to be brought to the surface, and then transported to the place where it is to be used. The position is similar with regard to any article that is grown, mined or manufactured. The farmer expends labour in producing wheat or wool, but whatever he produces must be moved to the place where it is required for consumption, and this necessary transportation is part of the process of production. Passengers also require to be conveyed to the place where their labour may be best employed, and in the case of holiday-makers, to the spot where they expect to get the maximum of enjoyment or relaxation.

Railway transportation covers the movement by rail of passengers, parcels, and goods traffic. The branch controlling this movement operates the equipment provided by other branches, and collects the charges for the service performed. The actual movement of the traffic involves (a) the receiving, loading, conveying, and delivering of goods; (b) the working of stations and goods sheds; (c) the marshalling and-breaking-up of trains in shunting yards; and (d) the preparation of time-tables and the running of trains in accordance therewith.