Cross-Docking

Cross-docking is a logistics strategy in which products arriving at a distribution center from suppliers are unloaded, sorted, consolidated, and immediately reloaded onto outbound vehicles destined for customers, with minimal or no storage time. Rather than storing inventory in a warehouse, products flow through in 24–48 hours. Cross-docking reduces inventory holding costs, improves product freshness, and increases throughput of the distribution network. It is widely used in fast-moving consumer goods, parcel delivery, and retail supply chains.