confectionery
Dec 2nd 2016 | 6:31 pm
#1
Thread Starter
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 410
From: Parnell
confectionery
Where in USA is best located to ship from?
We are currently selling equivalent to 3 pallet loads a week so are looking to go direct and import ourselves, cutting out the middlemen
We are currently selling equivalent to 3 pallet loads a week so are looking to go direct and import ourselves, cutting out the middlemen
Dec 3rd 2016 | 1:50 am
#2
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 38,864
From: Kentucky
Re: confectionery
On the assumption that you will sell equally to all parts of the contiguous (read = lower 48 states) US, the best location is Lebanon, KS... the closest town to the geographic center of the US. However, the town may not have some of the amenities that you might want... so perhaps a larger urban city close to there would be more in line with your needs: Kansas City, KS or MO, Omaha, NE, Oklahoma City, OK, or Denver, CO.
That said, "best" is highly subjective... so perhaps you could give some information about what you're looking for rather than just location!
Ian
That said, "best" is highly subjective... so perhaps you could give some information about what you're looking for rather than just location!
Ian
Dec 4th 2016 | 6:43 am
#3
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,948
Re: confectionery
I remembered reading about Zappos siting themselves deliberately right next to the main UPS hub. Louisville Kentucky https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225140
Dec 4th 2016 | 10:14 pm
#4
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Re: confectionery
PetiteFrancais advice is good - Memphis would be the equivalent for shipping by FedEx.
Otherwise, a clue as to what is important to you would help us recommend other possible locations if the shortest possible shipping times isn't the highest priority for you. .... Perhaps access to the port of import is relevant - where do you want to ship to? The north east (anywhere from Boston to DC) is going to be expensive for real estate, salary, and general cost of living. Other airports might have only limited direct flights from the UK.
I can't help but wonder if three pallets a week is anywhere near enough to justify the cost and aggravation of setting up your own shipping operation in the US - I mean three pallets a week could be done from a domestic garage.
Otherwise, a clue as to what is important to you would help us recommend other possible locations if the shortest possible shipping times isn't the highest priority for you. .... Perhaps access to the port of import is relevant - where do you want to ship to? The north east (anywhere from Boston to DC) is going to be expensive for real estate, salary, and general cost of living. Other airports might have only limited direct flights from the UK.
I can't help but wonder if three pallets a week is anywhere near enough to justify the cost and aggravation of setting up your own shipping operation in the US - I mean three pallets a week could be done from a domestic garage.
Last edited by Pulaski; Dec 4th 2016 at 10:17 pm.
Dec 5th 2016 | 2:33 am
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 141
Re: confectionery
We import a 40' container of products from the UK every month.
Sited ourselves in Richmond, VA... Container arrives Norfolk, VA on a Tuesday, we get it on a Friday.
As for subsequent shipping to customers, we use UPS Parcels and UPS Freight. Delivery to the North East States is usually next day and to California in 6-7 days.
The standard quality of service (I'm talking Business to Business deliveries) from UPS is very good.
Carl.
Sited ourselves in Richmond, VA... Container arrives Norfolk, VA on a Tuesday, we get it on a Friday.
As for subsequent shipping to customers, we use UPS Parcels and UPS Freight. Delivery to the North East States is usually next day and to California in 6-7 days.
The standard quality of service (I'm talking Business to Business deliveries) from UPS is very good.
Carl.
Dec 5th 2016 | 3:09 am
#7
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,948
Re: confectionery
I'm not sure I'm getting you...
wouldn't it make more sense for you to stay where you are rather than incur extra freight costs to some city in the midwest?
have you thought about using amazon fba?
wouldn't it make more sense for you to stay where you are rather than incur extra freight costs to some city in the midwest?
have you thought about using amazon fba?
Dec 5th 2016 | 6:34 am
#8
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 410
From: Parnell
Re: confectionery
PetiteFrancais advice is good - Memphis would be the equivalent for shipping by FedEx.
Otherwise, a clue as to what is important to you would help us recommend other possible locations if the shortest possible shipping times isn't the highest priority for you. .... Perhaps access to the port of import is relevant - where do you want to ship to? The north east (anywhere from Boston to DC) is going to be expensive for real estate, salary, and general cost of living. Other airports might have only limited direct flights from the UK.
I can't help but wonder if three pallets a week is anywhere near enough to justify the cost and aggravation of setting up your own shipping operation in the US - I mean three pallets a week could be done from a domestic garage.
Otherwise, a clue as to what is important to you would help us recommend other possible locations if the shortest possible shipping times isn't the highest priority for you. .... Perhaps access to the port of import is relevant - where do you want to ship to? The north east (anywhere from Boston to DC) is going to be expensive for real estate, salary, and general cost of living. Other airports might have only limited direct flights from the UK.
I can't help but wonder if three pallets a week is anywhere near enough to justify the cost and aggravation of setting up your own shipping operation in the US - I mean three pallets a week could be done from a domestic garage.
We literally use a person at the moment who collates and exports to us in NZ. Issue with him being he sends crap (dated product and too much mixed non core) - Part of his remit was to act as buyer.
We are now looking to do it ourselves, and increase to 30 pallets per week, so small warehouse and 3 to 5 staff members. Cost is not so much a big deal as this is a complimentary side of the grocery business (we do around 1000 pallets of fresh produce per week).
Priority is more on logistics of shipping to NZ and Australia
Many thanks for all replies and comments
