Improvements in transportation in the 1700s made it easier for manufacturers to transport goods.  Factories during the Industrial Revolution in Britain produced mass amounts of goods, such as textiles.  They produced much more than was needed within the immediate areas around the factories.  Manufacturers needed to transport goods throughout Britain.  With improvements in transportation, shipping goods became more practical and efficient.

Goods could be transported by horse and wagon.  Wagons became larger in size during the 18th century.  Innovations in wagon parts (such as axels and wheels) also made it so that stagecoaches could travel at faster speeds, delivering goods in less time.

Turnpike trusts were established to fund roads and road maintenance.  Prior to the establishment of turnpike trusts, roads often fell into disrepair.  This made travel difficult and slow.  Turnpike roads were better maintained, and this made for easier travel.

Ships and boats were also used to transport goods in the 18th century.  More rivers were made navigable and sailing vessels improved.  Issues of property rights along rivers were addressed, making more waterways accessible to the public.  Many towns and cities were not along rivers, and therefore could not send or receive goods by boat.  This problem was addressed by the building of canals.  The design of the ships improved, and they were made larger to hold more goods.  Docks and loading areas were also developed to receive and load more goods.