Customers eagerly wait for their shipment as soon as they finish the checkout process. The demand for quick deliveries is rising as industry giants offer one- or two-day shipping. Cross docking services are one of the best solutions for speeding up shipping. This method moves the inventory faster and eliminates the warehousing time, which reduces the total shipping time. This post reveals more about how cross-docking works and its advantages.

Cross-docking explained

Cross-docking is a strategy meant to improve the efficiency of the shipping process. The approach focuses on eliminating warehousing time by unloading the goods from a truck and loading them onto the outbound vehicle. The second vehicle usually takes the goods to their final destination. This strategy is effective because it eliminates the need for warehousing, which saves time.

Advantages of cross-docking

Businesses source a wide range of products from various suppliers, and managing the process is challenging. When the goods arrive at the dock, they are properly sorted. Cross-docking gained huge popularity in the logistics industry, categorizing the shipments according to their destinations. The goods don’t go into a warehouse but are rather quickly reloaded into the next vehicle. 

Reducing costs

Cross-docking focuses on eliminating warehousing costs, which comprise the total business costs. Warehousing costs include paying for extensive facilities, maintenance, and staff. With cross-docking, storage is unnecessary as this method moves the goods swiftly to the outbound vehicle. 

Speedy shipping

In the modern e-commerce world, speed is highly requested. Customers want to get their orders as soon as they press the buy button, so cross-docking is an excellent strategy. The products won’t have to wait in the warehouse, which reduces the time it takes to get to the end customer. 

Monitoring inventory

With less time in the warehouse, businesses can easily monitor their inventory. They will have a real-time overview of the available products in stock, helping them make informed decisions to avoid understocking or overstocking. 

Cross docking types

Cross docking finds implementation across different industries. With different types, businesses can find the ideal fit for their operations. 

Retail cross docking

This logistic strategy delivers the products to the retail stores, minimizing the warehousing and speeding up shipments. It is commonly used in fashion retail businesses, where trending pieces need to get to the shelves as soon as possible. 

Opportunistic cross docking

This strategy shows a more flexible approach where companies take advantage of the opportunities as they arise. It matches the received supply with customers’ needs. On the contrary, businesses adjust the expected receipts with the demands in planned cross-docking. 

Distributor cross docking

Companies that sell various products from different sources use this method. The goods are received and then consolidated for delivery to their final destination. 

How to implement cross-docking

Companies in the e-commerce world might find it challenging to incorporate the cross-docking method in their working process. Your story is the starting point, where you need to analyze the product range and identify thrones suitable for this method. 

Products with a consistent demand, such as food and hygiene products, are excellent for a cross-docking strategy. Establishing strong communication and collaboration with the suppliers is important for receiving the goods on time to meet the demand.

Next, you need to pay attention to streamlining the entire process. Investing in equipment for storing and loading products will help establish a smooth process.

Implementing an inventory management system is another step in the process. Businesses must use the latest technology to keep track of their inventory in real time.