Cross-Docking is an excellent way for companies to improve and extend their transportation and logistics procedure helping reduce transportation costs and their carbon footprint.
The process involves unloading the cargo from trucks, vans, lorries and any other transport, which is then loaded onto another transport for swift distribution along the supply chain or directly to the end customer. The cross-docking procedure typically involves no storage or handling time, providing a constantly moving supply chain.
With supply chains often containing temperature-sensitive products ranging from frozen goods to fresh fruit and veg to meat, it’s important that cross-docking facilities are capable of keeping transport’s cargo to the correct climate temperature.
How Cross-Docking can improve logistics
Cross-Docking is an effective strategy in both active and quieter regions, especially with large distances between the end destinations. Often found in regional distribution centres, Cross-Docking allows for large volumes of cargo to be delivered to one single strategic location where it can be transferred into multiple transport vehicles proceeding to different locations.
Implementing Cross-Docking into the supply chain can save resources, including money whilst also improving its environmental efficiency by optimising the distribution journey routes and reducing miles and fuel used.
Alongside improving environmental efficiency and reducing transportation cost, the chain benefits from a reduced delivery time by having dedicated secondary vehicles for specific locations. The Cross-Docking facilities are often located either geographically near the final destination or in the centre of a large distribution area allowing for quicker delivery of fresh produce and other cargo.
Enhancing the supply chain with a Cross-Docking facility reduces the need for warehousing and other large, costly facilities due to very little handling and storage, which also bypasses the need for increased labour.
CRS Cross-Docking Solution
The CRS Cross-Docking facility has been specially designed to improve the efficiency of businesses’ cold and supply chains on a large distribution scale. As a full turnkey service, CRS not only designs but builds, installs and maintains temperature-controlled facilities, which can act as individual satellite depots or be joined to warehouses for increased space.
The CRS Cross-Docking includes:
- Satellite or Warehouse solutions
- Handling areas
- Split-temperature areas for frozen or chilled cargo
- A range of quantities and sizes
Get in touch today to discuss how CRS Cold Storage’s Cross-Docking facilities can help improve the efficiency of your supply chain, keep temperature-sensitive products at their correct climate and save you time and money.
