Transloading or Cross-docking? There’s a Right Time for Both

Given a strategic location and environment, warehousing facilities can add value beyond traditional storage, especially in the case of postponement. Postponement is delaying the final configuration until a product is sold or at least close to the point of consumption. This offers two benefits: one, it allows the manufacturer to save by shipping bulk as far down the supply chain as possible, and two, it minimizes the risk of carrying a larger portion of inventory as finished. Paint is an ideal example of postponement: it’s mixed only when the customer purchases that specific color in the store.

Transloading means transportation efficiency

Transloading is transferring loads from one mode of transportation to another while ensuring the products are kept at the appropriate temperature during repackaging, labeling, and building pallets or parcels. In the case of food, food ingredients, and OTC pharma, transloading may require food-grade equipment and facilities, even temperature-controlled areas, especially for temperature-sensitive products, such as dry and liquid powders. Temperature-controlled transloading requires a higher level of expediency, control, and protection. Temperature protection is usually required as protection from freeze or maintaining cooler-like conditions. For example, products may need to be transported by refrigerated truck for part of the journey and then transferred to a refrigerated container.

One of the biggest benefits of temperature-controlled transloading is that it allows companies to use the most efficient mode of transportation for each leg of the journey. For example, rail may be the most cost-effective method for long distances, while trucking may be better for short distances. By using temperature-controlled transloading, companies can take advantage of the most efficient transportation mode for each leg of the journey while ensuring that products are protected at the appropriate temperature.

Transloading, whether dry or temperature controlled, is an effective solution for companies that need to ship bulk materials such as powders and liquids. Companies need to ensure their transloading partner is not cutting corners by transporting or storing products under less-than-ideal conditions.

Cross-docking keeps it moving

Cross-docking can be a competitive advantage and winning supply chain strategy for the right products and situations. Shippers can eliminate warehousing storage costs, lowering labor and picking and packing costs. Cross- docking is used alongside some just-in-time strategies to lower inventory costs. Benefits of cross-docking include:

• Streamlining the supply chain
• Reducing the intermediary “holding” step
• Potentially using fewer transportation companies

With less material handling, there’s a lower potential for damage. That said, cross-docking demands the same degree of accuracy, quality environment, and technology support to assure SKU and pallet tracking.

We view transloading and cross-docking as critical links in our clients’ supply chains. They can select from a range of temperature-controlled transloading services to help transport their products safely and efficiently. They also have at their disposal temperature-controlled facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to accommodate a wide range of products requiring dry, protect-from-freeze, cooler, frozen, and deep frozen.

There’s also repack. A comprehensive range of repackaging solutions must be offered to meet customers’ needs, including various container types and sizes – drums, Gaylord boxes, valve bags, or bulk bags – when repackaging of liquids or powders is required.

A best-in-class partner will also understand the importance of accurate identification of your materials. That means providing labeling services to ensure that your products are properly identified, minimizing the risk of errors and product mix-ups, and ensuring that your products can be easily tracked and traced throughout the supply chain.

If you’re looking for a trusted transloading or cross-docking partner, contact Wavepoint today >> 800.928.3101. With our seamless transportation warehouse options, we can deliver your repackaged products to any destination or store them securely for future use. Our commitment to accuracy and efficiency means we always repack according to your specifications. We ensure that your products are delivered to your customers in pristine condition.

Our free e-book covers all this and more. Download "Where Transloading or Cross-Docking Add the Most Value” >> https://bit.ly/3sZiub7