What does "cross-docking" mean in a storage facility context?

In the context of a storage facility, cross-docking refers to the direct transfer of goods from inbound to outbound transportation without the goods being stored in between. This process streamlines logistics by minimizing handling and storage time, as products are immediately routed from the delivery vehicle to the shipping vehicle. It is an efficient method often used in distribution centers where timely delivery is crucial, enabling quicker turnover and reducing inventory holding costs.

The other options describe different logistics or warehouse management practices, such as holding goods until they are needed, which does not align with the concept of cross-docking. Shipping goods in separate containers refers to packaging and transportation methods rather than the technique of transferring goods directly between transport modes. Similarly, managing returns and damaged goods involves different processes focused on reverse logistics, rather than the immediate flow of inventory that characterizes cross-docking.