Cross-docking is a process in the logistics industry that not only reduces material handling but also reduces the storage steps of the materials within the warehouse. Instead of cargo being delivered to a warehouse, an inbound truck unloads goods and transfers them to an outbound truck.
Simply put, goods are transferred from one form of transportation to another in a docking terminal, skipping their costly warehouse stay. Thus, the name “cross-docking”, as cargo is transferred “across” the “docking” terminal. Operations may utilize staging areas for inbound materials, typically spending between an hour to less than 24 hours at a facility.
Thus, inventory holding is minimized. Bridgewater Logistics offers excellent cross-docking services and dedicated distribution solutions that increase delivery speed and reduce storage costs to a minimum. Cross-docking is a positive strategy for any company that requires the unloading and merging of bulk consignments from various points of manufacture.
Reason to choose cross-docking:
- Speed – Bridgewater Logistics cross-docking services due to the speed and efficiency of the process, less inventory handling is also likely, which in turn helps ensure your products will arrive intact for your customers.
- Real-time Status Updates – Because we take accountability very seriously as part of our Bridgewater cross-docking services, we provide real-time shipment statuses and shipment activity records. Cost Reduction – Due to the streamlining that comes about from utilizing cross-docking, companies are able to reduce the labour costs associated with product handling, the costs associated with inventory storage, and the costs associated with warehousing.
Order Fulfillment
Distribution helps businesses redesign their customer service organization and its processes. It also takes care of customers’ questions and orders. From taking orders to dispatching the merchandise, it also focuses on the following:
- Process throughput time
- Transaction efficiency
- Transaction reliability
- Timely and accurate external and internal information communication
Transportation Management
Distribution logistics also brings processes and a certain discipline to transportation management. This is usually achieved by effectively utilizing a database of partner carriers. Within the realm of transportation management, handling outbound, inbound and internal transportation is of utmost importance. This ensures that clients will benefit from stability, visibility and control of their transportation costs and functions.
Benefits
Distribution Logistics offers businesses several benefits. Some of the advantages it provides include the following.
- Allows goods to be tracked from their source to the present location
- Helps identify every cost element that is associated with the movement of the goods
- Facilitates demand analysis for replenishment planning
- Assists in the formation of sales analysis for market planning
- Helps further cross-reference labelling, contract management and returned merchandise authorization
- Provides an organized shipping system that assists in time and cost-saving