Shipping air, truck,boat, train?

Im asking this question for future reference only. When (manufacturers) ship items to wholesalers or retailers is the shipping fees part of the retailer/wholesalers cost? Does the same go for consignment deals typically?



I see a lot of shipments coming in through shipping containers on boats. Where does one get in contact with a shipping company that does that sort of thing and who do you hire to deal to do the paperwork, legal work and whatnot - does a customs broker do that, shipping company or is there a separate company that takes care of all shipping channels from train, air, truck, boat, train.