Cross docking is a practice in logistics of unloading materials from an incoming truck or shipping container and loading these materials in outbound trucks, trailers or shipping containers, usually the process is completed in a short period of time and sometimes instantly. As the cargo is off loaded form one truck, it loaded into a waiting truck or container. This also may be done to change type of conveyance, to sort material intended for different destinations, or to combine material from different origins. This process is also used to consolidate shipments from multiple vendors to a single customer.
Typically cross docking is an activity where the expertise of a third party logistics company are used to deliver a solution for many wholesalers and retailers needs.
Advantages of Cross Docking
As cross-docking does not require the inventory to be stored at the warehouse.
- Operational Efficiency: As the material does not have to be stored at the warehouse, and directly moves from the receiving docks to the shipping docks or staging areas, the warehouse operations are more efficient.
- Inventory Efficiency: As the inventory moves directly from the receiving to shipping docks, there is no storage at the warehouses for the cross-docked items and that reduces the total system inventory in the supply chain.
Usually many companies that are involved in distribution and order fulfillment, offer cross docking services to facilitate the quick and effective transport of cargo. Miami happens to be at the core of such activities being the gateway to South America. Many of the freight forwarders Miami hosts offer such services with efficiency.
Before you choose a TPL Company to handle your fulfillment needs, ask if the are able to offer packaging services.
In conclusion , product packaging is considered to be an important part of the order fulfillment services. That is why many companies contract our services to perform the packaging services.
our Saturday Warehouse hours are 8-5 to facilitate fulfillment.
We are one of the few cross dock companies in Miami that are open on Saturday.
Drop us a note or visit Miami cross dock