Cross-Docking
A logistics practice where incoming freight is unloaded from an inbound truck and loaded directly onto outbound trucks with minimal or no storage time in between. Cross-docking reduces warehousing costs and speeds up delivery by eliminating the need to store inventory. It is commonly used by LTL carriers at their terminals and by large retailers managing high-volume distribution.
Detailed Explanation
A logistics practice where incoming freight is unloaded from an inbound truck and loaded directly onto outbound trucks with minimal or no storage time in between. Cross-docking reduces warehousing costs and speeds up delivery by eliminating the need to store inventory. It is commonly used by LTL carriers at their terminals and by large retailers managing high-volume distribution.
Example
At an LTL terminal in Nashville, inbound trailers from 8 different origins are unloaded, and the freight is immediately sorted and loaded onto outbound trailers headed to 12 different destinations.
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