What should i know about the culinary industry?

Freight Logistics: What do I need to know to ship products efficiently and cost effectively across America? (Industry tips, tricks and advice please)

• This is a very broad question, but I'm hoping to get all the information or at least links to the information where I can start learning because I really want to start a shipping business. I am planning to have numerous warehouses across the US. What are some things I should know before I start this venture? (I am planning on shipping household products.) Some questions I already have include: 1) What class do general household products fall under? 2) How high can a pallet be? 3) I went on a few railroad companies that seemed to only let commodities use their containers. Are there railroad companies that allow people to ship household products? If so can you give me some links? 4) Where are  the major distribution hubs in the US and why? (Is it location? Is it cost?) 5) What is the cheapest method of shipping? Is it railroad, then truck, then air? Any tips and advice will be greatly appreciated!

• Answer:

  Congratulations on your new venture. Most Logistics companies, also known as Third Party Logistics companies or 3PLs, employ a web based Transportation Management System offering access to 5-10 different freight carriers for each shipment. Select the carrier by price, transit, time or for reputation. It's as easy as booking  a package on FedEx or UPS. We like to think of ourselves as the Travelocity or Orbitz of shipping.The sharply discounted rates have already been pre-negotiated with the trucking, air, and ocean freight companies, so you know you're receiving the most competitive pricing. There is no freight classification for "general household goods" with certain exceptions for the military. Detergent has a class and corresponding code known as an NMFC code, as does chlorine bleach, clothing, furniture, chewing gum,etc. It is absolutely critical to provide the correct code since if this is not done correctly, the cost of your shipment could easily triple. Most 3PLs will be more than happy to research the proper NMFC code and determine the class of your items. Shipping and warehousing can be a complicated  process, and many in the logistics field have degrees  in Logistics and advanced certifications. Since it's not your core business, I advise enlisting the services of the experts at a Third Party Logistics company to handle the details. Just like Travelocity or Orbitz, we'll handle the paperwork, the truck will arrive and you have time to focus on what matters, like growing your revenue. to answer the pallet question; a pallet shouldn't be taller than about 84 inches since most Less Than Truckload (LTL) carriers have roll-up doors with a height of about 96 inches and the pallet itself adds about 5 inches in height. Hope this is helpful!