Cross-Docking
A logistics practice in which inbound goods are transferred directly from receiving docks to outbound transport with minimal or no warehousing in between.
Full Definition
Cross-docking eliminates the need for long-term storage by coordinating the arrival and departure of shipments so that goods move continuously through a distribution facility. It is widely used in retail and food distribution to reduce handling time and inventory costs. The term is always hyphenated as a compound modifier and noun. Editors should note that 'cross docking' (without hyphen) is a common error in industry documents. The practice requires precise scheduling and is closely associated with just-in-time (JIT) delivery models.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenated. Do not confuse with drop shipping, which involves a different supply chain model where goods are sent directly from supplier to end customer.
In Context
- "The distribution centre adopted cross-docking to reduce the dwell time of perishable goods." — Warehouse operations report
- "Cross-docking requires the hyphen in all uses, whether as a noun or a verb form." — Style guide annotation