Potential Considerations

Potential Considerations when Evaluating a Cross Docking System

When setting up a cross dock system it is important to pay attention to the initial costs to ensure that your system will be suitable as the company grows: it will help you to adequately track your product when it is in transit.

• Pallet storage should be tracked with a computerized logistics system. Otherwise you run the risk of losing track of when your products will be delivered or where they are.

• A great deal of planning will need to be undertaken to ensure you have an adequate number of transport options in your fleet to manage the needs of your operation.

• You will need to work with appropriate partners to ensure that they can manage your cargo cross docking solutions properly. Ensure that your partners have adequate storage facilities to manage your needs, should the requirement arise.

• The type of product you will be transporting will need to be considered before organizing your logistics operation. Delicate items can become damaged with the increased freight handling, so great care will need to be taken to protect them.

Even the most streamlined logistics operation will occasionally have errors in the logistics. Before planning your schedule, determine a course of action should a missed or late appointment delivery occur. Having a backup plan in place can help to ensure that the product may still be used once it arrives, particularly if the product is perishable.

When carefully organized, a cross docking operation can be used to greatly enhance the value of your business.