Cross-docking
Cross-docking moves cargo from an inbound vehicle straight to an outbound one, with little or no storage between. We coordinate the handover, the sorting and the paperwork at a third-party facility, and check counts on both sides.
What it is
In normal warehousing, cargo goes in, sits on a shelf and goes out later. In cross-docking it does not sit. It is unloaded from one vehicle, sorted by destination or consignee, and loaded straight onto another.
This suits cargo that arrives in bulk and leaves in smaller lots. It needs tight timing, because both vehicles must be at the facility on the right day. We book the facility, the vehicles and the labour, and check what was received against what was sent out. We do not run the facility.
When to use it
- Cargo arrives in bulk and goes out in smaller lots.
- Cargo must change vehicle or destination quickly.
- A container arrives for several consignees and needs to be split.
- You want to avoid storage charges on cargo that does not need storing.
What we handle
- Booking the facility and the vehicles at both ends
- Receiving and sorting by destination or consignee
- Relabelling where needed
- Outbound loading and documents
- Checks against the inbound and outbound lists
How it runs
- Quote: you send the inbound and outbound details and the dates, and we find a suitable facility.
- Planning: we agree the sorting rules, labels and the time window with the facility.
- Inbound: the vehicle arrives, and the cargo is unloaded and counted against the inbound list.
- Sorting: cargo is sorted by destination or consignee and relabelled where needed.
- Outbound and close-out: cargo is loaded out with its documents, and we compare inbound and outbound counts and report any difference.
What to send us for a quote
| Detail | Why we ask |
|---|---|
| Inbound vehicle type | A container, a truck or a van need different unloading |
| Outbound vehicle types | They decide how the cargo is sorted and loaded |
| Cargo and pallet counts | To size the floor space and labour |
| Sorting rules | By consignee, destination, order or item |
| Labels needed | New labels may be needed for each outbound lot |
Good to know
- If the inbound vehicle is late, the whole plan moves. Agree what happens to the outbound vehicle before the day.
- Mixed cargo without clear marks is the main cause of mistakes. Send the marks list with the booking.
- Some storage may still be needed overnight. Ask how the facility prices short holds.
Questions
Is it the same as short storage?
Not quite. Storage holds cargo for a period. Cross-docking aims to move it on without holding it. If cargo does wait, storage applies.
Can you split a container among several buyers?
Yes, if marks and documents identify each lot. See also LCL deconsolidation.