There are three primary methods used in cross-docking. The first, and simplest method, is continuous cross-docking. This is the most direct application. In continuous cross-docking, products and materials are continuously moved through a central site, moving directly from inbound to outbound shipments. There are occasionally minimal wait times incurred in the event that trucks arrive at the facility at different times.
Consolidation arrangements are another method. This is the process of merging several smaller products or freight loads into one larger load in the cross-docking facility. Some items that are held in the minimal storage at the site may be combined with the inbound products to form full truckload shipments.
The third method is deconsolidation, which is the obvious opposite of the consolidation method. Rather than combining several smaller loads into one large load, in the deconsolidation method, a large load is broken down into several smaller ones for easier transport and generally is used in direct-to-consumer shipments.
