Why would I consider a cross-docking solution?
With cold storage facilities at capacity and often outside of the shipper/manufacture’s desired market, they can be hard to find, hard to get into and add cost and time to transit schedules.
Understanding the Concept of Cross-Docking
Cross-docking is an effective logistics strategy that involves moving goods from inbound to outbound transportation without storing them in a warehouse. This process can quickly and efficiently move products from one mode of transportation to another such as truckload/intermodal to LTL, or LTL to truckload. Cross-docking is just one strategy that can be implemented to help achieve a competitive advantage. Implemented appropriately and in the right conditions, cross-docking can provide significant improvements in efficiency and handling times.
What is Cross-Docking?
Cross docking is a logistics procedure where products from a shipper or manufacturing plant are distributed directly to a customer or retail chain with reduced handling and storage time. Cross docking takes place at a distribution terminal; usually consisting of trucks and dock doors on two (inbound and outbound) sides with minimal storage space. The name “cross docking” explains the process of receiving products through an inbound door and then transferring them across the dock to the outbound transportation door.
Incoming goods are sorted and consolidated according to their destination, and then directly transferred to outbound trucks or containers without being stored in a warehouse. This process eliminates the need for long-term storage and reduces the time and costs associated with order picking, inventory management, and transportation.
The Cross-Docking Process Defined
Receiving: The incoming goods are received at the cross-docking facility and unloaded from the trucks or containers.
Sorting: The goods are sorted from multiple inbound trucks/containers and consolidated according to their destination.
Staging: The goods are temporarily stored in the staging area until they are ready to be loaded onto outbound trucks or containers.
Loading: The goods are loaded onto outbound trucks/containers and transported to their final destination.
The Top Applications for Cross-Docking
Consolidation– Multiple vendors with small LTL orders to be consolidated into truckload deliveries
Distribution– One truckload with various LTL shipments going to multiple delivery points
Combing Different Modes of Transportation into One
The inbound could consist of a variety of truckload shipments, LTL orders, intermodal containers all going to delivery points across the country and can all come into one location and be converted to efficient truckload shipments saving time and money.
Where can I go for Cross-Docking Solutions?
On the West Coast, Northern Refrigerated Transportation offers these solutions at each of their facilities located in Ontario, CA, Turlock, CA and Clackamas, OR. With over 75 years of experience behind them and an offering of specialized equipment, they are well positioned to meet your cross-docking needs.
How can I learn more?
Visit us at www.northernrefrigerated.com
Email us at [email protected]
Call us at 800-692-5874
