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Nationwide Study Identifies Cross-Docking Trends and Challenges
Lakeland, Fla., May 13, 2008 – Improved service levels, reduced transportation costs and less required warehouse space are just some of the reasons that more companies are cross-docking today. These benefits, along with common practices, challenges, and changing trends, are explored in detail in the 2008 Cross-Docking Trends Report, a new whitepaper released today by Saddle Creek Corp., a nationwide third-party logistics services company.
The whitepaper is based on an independent survey of more than 500 industry executives who are responsible for or involved in warehousing, distribution and/or transportation in the United States.
Research highlights include:
- More companies are incorporating cross-docking into their supply chain strategies. Approximately two-thirds of respondents cross-dock or plan to begin the practice in the near future. According to the survey, 52 percent of respondents currently cross-dock, while 13 percent plan to begin cross-docking in the next 18 to 24 months.
- Of those who currently cross-dock, about half have considered cross-docking more of their total SKU throughput.
- A broader range of products is being cross-docked. While respondents who currently cross-dock are most likely to cross-dock durable goods, more sensitive products such as perishable, temperature-controlled and high-value/high-security products are also being cross-docked regularly.
- More companies are outsourcing their cross-docking strategies. Many survey respondents say they look to third-party logistics providers to help manage the process. One-third of respondents who currently cross-dock use a 3PL either exclusively or in addition to in-house resources.
- Of those respondents who cross-dock currently and say they’ve considered cross-docking more, 77 percent plan to increase their outsourced cross-docking.
“We have been providing cross-dock services to companies for more than 16 years, and it’s exciting to see the impact that cross-docking can have on a company’s supply chain, service to the end customer, and, ultimately, the bottom line,” said Cliff Otto, president of Saddle Creek Corp. “We wanted to share the benefits we’ve seen firsthand, as well as the experience of others in the industry.”
For a complete copy of the 2008 Cross-Docking Trends Report, go to www.saddlecrk.com/whitepaper.
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About Saddle Creek Corp.
Saddle Creek Corp., headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., provides integrated warehousing, transportation, and value-added services nationwide. For more information, visit www.saddlecrk.com.
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Contact:
Michele Wade
Account Executive,
MindShare Strategies
Telephone: 612/309-4527
E-Mail: media@mindshare.bz
Stephen G. Cook
Vice President,
Saddle Creek Corporation
Telephone: 863/668-4316
E-Mail: stephen.cook@saddlecrk.com
Download web and high-resolution charts to accompany this release 
Saddle Creek Newsroom
Media Center
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