Abstract: A system and method for transporting and distributing large numbers of items. The system and method includes a plurality of plants, with items being transported between the plants and distributed within them. In one embodiment, the items are characterized according to shape, and are assigned to plants for distribution and are organized for transportation between plants based on shape. In another embodiment, the items have assigned thereto geographic codes, and are assigned to plants for distribution and are organized for transportation between plants based on these geographic codes. In another embodiment, both shape and geographic code are considered in the assignment of plants.