Why cross-docking is needed to support the shift to e-commerce
To meet consumer demands for ultra-fast deliveries in “The Age of e-commerce”, as well as a number of other challenges related to productivity, sustainability, visibility, capacity and collaboration, we need to work smarter when it comes to transportation and logistics.
Logistics will need to be rethought in a time of increasing e-commerce. Foto: Mixmove. .
By Jan Tore Pedersen
We need to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-docking operations and start consolidating goods to a much greater extent. This can be done by embracing a new process called Order reconstruction.
- Cross-docking in logistics is a well-known practice that involves unloading goods from inbound delivery vehicles and directly loading them onto outbound trucks, trailers, or rail cars.
- Order reconstruction is a new kind of process where shippers agree that shipments may be split and that parts of the shipments may be moved in separate vehicles or containers, as long as they are delivered to the receiver as originally agreed. This process opens up the possibility of reducing costs and improving sustainability in logistics.
A dedicated management system that works as a stand-alone or on top of your existing TMS and WMS provides the best option today. Learn how your business can do cross-docking more effectively, or even start using order reconstruction to increase your margins here.
