What is 3PL Cross Docking?
Third-party logistics providers offer several services, including cross docking. Cross docking is a service involving temporary storage for products after being unloaded from their transportation. This service eliminates the commitment of long-term storage but allows for safe storage within a warehouse. Cross docking offers a faster transfer of finished goods from suppliers and manufacturers to retailers and customers for a more streamlined supply chain.
How Does Cross Docking With a 3PL Benefit Your Company?
Eliminating certain steps within the process allows for an accelerated order fulfillment system. Cross docking also helps reduce costs and speed up the supply chain, so your products get to your customers faster.
Improved Shipping and Receiving Times
One major factor of cross docking is the reduction of labor, which reduces labor costs and brings the goods to their destination quicker. Larger batches of goods are distributed within smaller shipments going in the same direction, which offers more efficiency when it comes to shipping. The receiving times are also decreased as the receiving process is cut in half by eliminating scanning goods into the warehouse.
Overall Savings
Savings is a major benefit when it comes to any business. Cross docking not only saves money but it also saves time. Cross docking allows for inventory management that is much more efficient, so you can eliminate certain aspects you have previously used to get your goods to your customers. Due to inventory tracking being done in bulk, you reduce the labor cost.
Centralized Location
Cross docking makes the cross-dock warehouse the central location, optimizing your supply chain. Goods are assigned to a carrier based on that shipment’s final destination, increasing each load size and saving transportation costs. Having a central location to handle goods offers many benefits, which help your supply chain and costs.
Less Handling of Material
When utilizing cross docking, maintaining a solid inventory turnover is easily achieved. When products are handled less, they can also maintain a better quality, particularly for more perishable items. Some items inherently have shorter shelf lives, so when a customer can receive the item sooner, it is more satisfactory. Damage to items is also reduced as handling is reduced.
When to Consider Cross Docking Services
Cross-docking services are used for a wide variety of reasons. Demand for products can fluctuate, which may result in certain products being stored for longer, which can not only cost money but can also cause a reduction in the product’s value. Cross-docking works more with the demand, which can eliminate long-term storage.
Certain goods need to be shipped in a more timely manner than others. Cross-docking offers prompt shipping to eliminate any deterioration of products. Cross docking services also allow multiple suppliers to deliver loads as the facility makes receiving, sorting, and shipping goods easier. Cross docking services may also be beneficial when shipping overweight cargo as it allows for the shift or unloading of goods so the weight can be better distributed.
Ranger3PL Cross Docking Services
By utilizing cross-docking services with Ranger3PL, you can minimize storage charges for your products by moving your freight from receiving to shipping within any region. With cross-docking you can reduce your pool distribution in an area and your overall shipping expenses.
To effectively use cross docking to lower your overall shipping costs, you’ll need an expert partner in supply chain management. The team at Ranger 3PL is expertly trained in handling consistently moving freight. Our team has relationships with facilities nationwide and can strategically plan your orders to deliver them efficiently and optimize your services.
Why Choose Ranger3PL?
When looking for a third-party logistics partner, you want someone you can trust and someone with experience that will provide you with the best solutions and services for your company. Regarding transportation services, distribution, JIT delivery, warehousing, and cross docking, Ranger3PL is in the ideal position to provide the customized solutions you need to reach key locations.
Turning to a third-party logistics provider means you want to make things easier and more efficient for you and your team. Your chosen 3PL partner should work with you to scale, streamline, and optimize your supply chain process. Ranger3PL works to exceed expectations regarding customer supply chains by delivering professional and customized solutions and services in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Whether it’s providing cross docking to help a shipper out of a pickle, keeping products on the move to their destination, or any other warehouse concerns, the experts at Ranger3PL can provide you with exactly what you need. To lower your costs with cross-docking services from Ranger3PL, contact us today, and we’ll find a solution that works for you.