Cross-docking is what? Cross-docking: warehouse, scheme, services

Cross-docking is a kind of cargo delivery system, in which the reception and shipping take place directly through the warehouse. This is a fairly convenient procedure, in which there is no need to use additional warehouses. This procedure is quite profitable, because it can allow you to save on renting premises for long-term storage of goods. This is a new logistics system that helps small businesses not to spend extra money, always get the very latest products, especially if it concerns food products. In direct translation from English, this phrase means "direct supplies". Cross-docking is a kind of additional service from an enterprise that manufactures certain products, or a separate line of work of a company that deals exclusively with the provision of such services. The result of this kind of procedure is the provision of sales outlets in the shortest possible time.

Service delivery system

The implementation of the cross-docking service takes place in two stages. The first stage is the selection of all the necessary materials or goods, the second is the carrying out of the shipment of the goods themselves. When the delivery is formed, the logisticians take into account all customers to whom they must deliver the goods, and form the necessary route. After the formation of a routing sheet, forwarders choose the shortest routes for the delivery of cargo. The cross-docking system thus has two methods of control. This also makes it possible, thanks to large volumes, to reduce the cost of delivery and the cost of goods for the end user.

System Operation

The cross-docking scheme can work in several ways. To carry out this procedure, three options were thought out. The first option is called a double thread. With this scheme of work, all clients are selected, to whom the goods must be delivered in one day, and the most suitable routes are selected. Thus, there may be a large number of shipping points on the delivery route. When creating such a scheme, the logistics service may also not carry out daily delivery, but for more cheapening, do it several times a week. In addition, it is very beneficial to negotiate with customers about the days of delivery. In this case, they will know in advance when they will be able to receive the goods, and order it, directly adjusting for delivery. Thus, optimizing all these processes, the logistics company can transport large volumes of goods in a short time and at the same time at a cheaper price.

The second scheme by which such shipment can be carried out is a set of volume. When carrying out such a scheme, transport will not move without full load. This is more beneficial for large companies that need to transport large volumes of goods. In this case, the delivery of the goods to the client will be carried out in the event that the required amount is typed.

And the third option is the initial creation of routes, which inform customers. Then you can cruise the route, providing the goods on certain days. Thus, cross-docking is quite an interesting and growing service.

The client can apply for help to a specialized company engaged in cross-docking. Or, when entering into agreements with the product supplier, it can draw up a cross-docking agreement with the same supplier if it provides such an opportunity. The conclusion of such a treaty has a number of positive aspects. Thus, you will always receive fresh and all the products you need in the specified time and at a more favorable price.

Establishing a company

If you are planning to organize an enterprise that will provide cross-docking services, this can be a good investment. But do not forget that you can carry out transportations as large parties, and there will be a necessity of delivery of small parties. Thus, you will need a fleet of vehicles with multidimensional cars. The more vehicles your company will have, the more likely it is to sign contracts with different companies.

The signing of contracts for the provision of such a service may be necessary both for the company-manufacturer of goods, and for the enterprise, which needs to purchase products.

Method of revolving shipment

This service, like any other, can have many positive and negative points. When providing services, there is such an opportunity as revolving shipments. This kind of resorted to in the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances, when it will be more profitable to conduct the shipment, rather than violate the terms of the contract. Such situations can arise because of the supplier's firm.

When providing or using the service, it is necessary to prescribe all the moments in the contract, this will save you from unforeseen circumstances and keep your relations with partners.