Shipping rates

[KINGFISH]

Can anyone tell me anything about shipping? I've seen a couple of places that won't send anything over 4 feet long and others that won't send anything over 5 feet, without extra charges. I've checked out the UPS and USPS websites but all I could find was how to measure a package and that they would accept packages up to 108 inches, oh, and to also talk to them about any abnormally shaped or heavy packages.
So what is the deal? Are packages generally cheaper up to the 4 or 5 foot mark and then get quite-a-bit more expensive after that?
I'm wandering because I'd like to start a business selling pneumatic and combustion launchers.

[MaxuS the 2nd]

Shipping rates vary from company to company, but if you want to ship large bits of pipe (5ft+) then it would probably be better to use a freight company that specialises in large packages for reasonable sums of money.

[KINGFISH]

I assume a freight company sends packages by way of train, do they then deliver it by truck to the customers door or how does it work?

[MaxuS the 2nd]

No, they'll send it by whatever means necessary. Then it should be delivered to their door, as I said, it varies greatly between companies. Pick one that works for you.