The Best Shape for a Crossdock

John J. Bartholdi () and Kevin R. Gue ()
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John J. Bartholdi: The Logistics Institute, School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0205
Kevin R. Gue: Graduate School of Business and Public Policy, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California 93943

Transportation Science, 2004, vol. 38, issue 2, 235-244

Abstract: Within both retail distribution and less-than-truckload transportation networks crossdocks vary greatly in shape. Docks in the shape of an I, L, or T are most common, but unusual ones may be found, including those in the shape of a U, H, or E. Is there a best shape? We show that the answer depends on the size of the facility and on the pattern of freight flows inside. Our results suggest that many large crossdocks in practice suffer from poor design that increases labor costs on the dock.

Keywords: freight transportation; crossdocking; material handling; less-than-truckload motor carriers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2004
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (37)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ortrsc:v:38:y:2004:i:2:p:235-244

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