Cross-docking
Definition
Cross-docking is a logistics method where goods are sorted directly into outgoing shipments upon arrival at the warehouse, without being stored on a shelf in between. This shortens the lead time between receiving and delivery.
Goods that barely touch the warehouse
In a classic warehouse, every product first goes to a fixed location before being picked up again later. With cross-docking, a delivery moves directly from one truck to another, sometimes within hours.
When this makes sense
Cross-docking works well for predictable, large volumes or perishable goods, where speed matters more than flexible storage.
Practical example
A distributor receives a delivery from several manufacturers in the morning and splits it across customer orders that same day, without ever storing the goods.
Related terms
Third-party logistics (3PL) · Warehouse Management System (WMS) · Fulfillment
Start with the basics.
Build from there.
Fonda Basic is free and immediately gives you a central place for all your product data and digital assets. You can take the step to a complete B2B webshop with customer-specific prices when you are ready.
Specifically built for B2B SMEs with 20–300 employees · Support based in Ghent