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Chapter 6 6.1 Cross Docking Method

Cross Docking and Packaging Cross docking is a logistics process where goods from a supplier or manufacturing place are

dispersed straight to a client or retail chain with marginal to no handling or storage time. Cross
docking takes place in a allocation docking terminal; usually consisting of trucks and dock doors
“Packaging can be theater; it can create a story” Steve Jobs on two (inbound and outbound) sides with nominal storage space. The name ‘cross docking’

CHAPTER OVERVIEW explains the procedure of receiving goods through an inbound dock and then transferring them
across the dock to the outbound shipping dock.
Speed and productivity of a supply chain has become an integral part of growth for organizations.
Cross-docking is just one strategy that can be implemented to help achieve a competitive advantage. In easy terms, inbound goods enter through transportation such as trucks/trailers, and are allocated
Implemented appropriately and in the right conditions, cross-docking can provide significant to a receiving dock on one side of the ‘cross dock’ terminal. Once the inbound transportation has
improvements in efficiency and handling times. been docked its products can be moved either directly or indirectly to the outbound destinations;
they can be unloaded, sorted and screened to identify their end destinations. After being sorted,
MODES OF INSTRUCTION goods are transferred to the other end of the ‘cross dock’ terminal via a forklift, conveyor belt, pallet
truck or another means of transportation to their destined outbound dock. When the outbound
LECTURE (2 LECTURES, 3 HOURS TOTAL) transportation has been loaded, the products can then make their way to customers.

Lecture 1 explains Cross docking method, Situations suited for application of cross docking, When is cross-docking used?
Situations suited for application of cross docking,
The practice of cross docking will not fit each warehouses needs, it is therefore imperative to make
Lecture 2 will discuss the Importance of proper packing, Various kinds of packing and How to an well-versed decision as to whether cross-docking will enhance the output, costs and customer
Read labels. satisfaction for your specific business. Cross docking can progress the supply chain for a diversity
of precise products. For one, perishable or temperature controlled objects such as food which
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (0.5 HOUR)
require to be transported as speedily as possible can be benefitted by this method. Additionally,

Assessment questions reinforce key unit concepts and skills. previously packaged and sorted goods prepared for transportation to a particular customer can
become a quicker and more competent practice through cross docking.
VIDEO
Some of the chief basis cross docking is implemented is to:
See video on cross docking.
• Offer a middle site for goods to be sorted and similar goods combined to be delivered to numerous
LEARNING OBJECTIVES destinations in the most prolific and fastest technique. This procedure can be described as “hub
and spoke”
CONCEPTS
• Combine several smaller cargo loads into one technique of transport to save on transportation

• Importance of cross docking method. expenses. This process can be described as ‘consolidation arrangements’.
• Break down huge product loads into lesser loads for transportation to generate an easier delivery
• Situations suited for application of cross docking.
procedure to the client. This process can be described as ‘deconsolidation arrangements’.
• Importance of proper packaging. Benefits

• Packaging material and machines Many companies have benefitted from using cross-docking. Some of the benefits include:

• Labeling of goods and Reading labels. • Decline in labor expenditures, as the goods no longer need picking and putting away in the
warehouse