jim wrote:

Fine if the business one is doing is more than a few pallets at a time.

......but if it's only cheap stuff (hence your wince re shipping
costs) why not bring it in bulk - it's only say 7 pallets to your
break even point - plus you get the extra security of your own
box.....maybe an extra discount from supplier? better still get them
to quote you for delivery "CIF "your place"" and save yourself some of
the grief - maybe they have a tame freight forwarder already with
better prices than you can get?

anyhow I'm sure you've got it covered

I can't handle a container. We don't have room for a container delivery,
nor can I afford the capital cost of filling one up. I'd also have to
arrange for a number of collections in different locations in Italy or
ship from those small suppliers to one central location. It's a useful
idea but not for me right now.

You're in about the same position as someone saying "If you filled up a
supertanker you'd get your fuel shipped cheaper" as far as I'm
concerned.