Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does Cross-docking mean in logistics?

Short answer

Transferring inbound cargo directly to outbound vehicles at a dock with little or no storage in between. Goods are sorted by destination and reloaded, usually within hours.

Used by Indian PTL hubs, e-commerce sort centres and retail distribution centres. It cuts inventory holding but needs tight inbound scheduling and good dock discipline. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Category
Warehousing
Related terms
Hub-and-spoke, Consolidation, Dwell time, Milk run

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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