in figure 16. The distribution function breaks down into many sub- 

 functions each of which receives a part of this share. Transportation, 

 warehousing, wholesaling, and retailing are the principal sub-func- 

 tions. These will be discussed in ensuing pages. Since transporta- 

 tion is the processor's first physical contact with the distribution 

 channel, that sub-function will be discussed first along with the re- 

 lated item, warehousing. 



Transporting -^and Storing Tuna 

 TRANSPORTATION 



Of the total 1952 domestic pack of canned tuna about 2 percent 

 was processed on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and 98 percentr^on the 

 West Coast. Most of the canned pack in the fonner area is shipped 

 via railroad and truck with the predominant part moving by the latter 

 medium. Canned tuna is shipped fron the West Coast to the various 

 cities throughout the country by railroad, truck, and boat. The 

 greatest volume of the pack of that area is moved via railroads. A 

 much smaller portion is moved by truck principally to West Coast 

 consuming areas and in post-war years, the West Coast canners have 

 been reviving the pre-war practice of utilizing boats, with the pre- 

 dominant part of those shipments going to northeastern United States. 



Five canning companies packed approximately 70 percent of all 

 the light-meat, solid pack, canned tuna shipped from the West Coast 

 to various points in the United States, during the last three years. 

 About 75 percent of these shipments were via railroad| approximate- 

 ly 13 percent via truck; and around 12 percent by boat. Host of the 

 ligh-t-meatj solid pack canned tuna handled by boat was shipped to 

 the Atlantic coast for destinations in the Northeastern region with 

 a small part of those shipments destined for Southern cities. Of 

 that moved via railroad, at least 30 percent was shipped to the 

 North Central United States. A considerable amount was also moved 

 by railroad into the Northeastern region. It also 'vas the pre- 

 dominant carrier used for shipments to the South but the total vol- 

 ume shiipped to that area is small canpared to the other areas of the 

 United States. Tuna shipped in the West Coast area was shipped pre- 

 dominantly via truck. 



The greatest percentage of ±iipments was moved via railroad 

 f or several rea sons. Most canned tuna shipments are long hauls. 

 23:/ Exclusive of local cartage and delivery. 

 0]^' Includes a relatively small amount packed in Hawaii. 



372 



