By definition, cross-docking is a warehouse logistical practice of unloading goods or materials from an inbound load and then loaded directly into outbound loads with little to no storage in between.
It is used commonly with logistics to move goods faster.
Cross-docking is becoming more of a common practice for manufacturers, retailers, and warehouse companies in efforts to reduce overall costs and increase inventory output to their customers. This practice minimizes, if not eliminating storage charges as the product is offloaded, staged, and re-loaded within 24 – 48 hours upon receipt. These efforts are especially helpful when the need for sorting products upon arrival for multiple centers of delivery or combining shipments for a one-stop delivery.
Cross-docking benefits:
Turn time – This is extremely beneficial to carriers and receivers. The ability to offload products quickly, stage, and reload within a specific time frame allows quick turns for all parties involved.
Costs – From the little to no storage charges, reduced or no demurrage charges help keep costs low for all of the partners.
Re-Work – If loads are overweight, whether it be the entire load or over the axles, we have the capabilities to offload and reload in the correct manner to keep the product or load moving and ensure safety and compliance for our warehouse partners.
Consolidation – The ability to consolidate multiple loads into one, then deliver to its destination with a one-stop creates a win-win for our partners in Omaha and around the world.