Department focus: Cross dock operations

cross-dock-01.jpg.jpg

In order for us to provide you with the excellent and efficient operations we’re known for, there’s a great deal of work and extensive effort that goes on behind the scenes. One department in particular that we certainly couldn’t do it without, is the brilliant Cross Dock Operations team we have, based at Frontier Park. 

This week, we caught up with our head of freight operations, David Southern, to lift the curtain on the inner workings of this department – and explore what really goes on behind the scenes. 

What do the Cross Dock team do?

The Cross Dock department is a vital aspect of our operations – and some would say it’s the bread and butter of what we do. Handling a diverse range of freight items and facilitating deliveries right across the country – our Cross Dock team allows us to connect suppliers with their customers and ensures the timely and efficient distribution of goods.

We have several specific responsibilities to ensure things run smoothly, including:

Receiving and checking shipments

Our team receives freight shipments from right across the country, it is then our job to check these shipments and verify the accuracy of the goods received. This involves checking quantities and ensuring proper documentation. 

Sorting and load building

Once the shipments are received and documented, our team sorts and organises them based on their destinations. In cases where there are multiple smaller shipments or individual items, we will consolidate these into larger loads for greater efficiency. For example, if we received several smaller pallets going to a similar area of the country – we would combine these shipments to reduce costs and fuel consumption. 

Pallet Network Management

As part of a pallet network, our team also collaborates closely with other depots and central hubs to exchange freight and ensure seamless deliveries across the country. This interconnectivity allows us to enhance our services and cater to a wider customer base.

Quality control

Our team takes great care to uphold our strict quality control measures – meaning that all freight items meet the necessary standards required before dispatch. We will inspect the condition of goods and address any discrepancies or issues in order to maintain excellent quality for both our clients and the end-consumer alike. 

Documentation and record-keeping

We will diligently maintain accurate documentation and records related to the received and dispatched shipments. This includes keeping records of inventory, tracking numbers and other relevant delivery notes. This ensures we can provide enhanced tracking and traceability for our clients, for total peace of mind!”

Who is the Cross Dock team made up of?

There are simply too many of us to count – and far too many to name! Whilst I manage the department, we’ve also got shift supervisors, warehouse managers, senior logistics planners and numerous general warehouse and forklift operators. 

We provide 24/7 Cross Dock facilities, which means we’re always able to meet the distribution needs of our clients – but it also means we need plenty of team members to share the workload with!

Are there any collective challenges your team has had to overcome recently?

Luckily, there’s nothing too specific that comes to mind. Most recently was the Covid-19 pandemic which provided several weeks of uncertainty. However, when the significance of the logistics industry and nationwide deliveries became apparent during lockdown, we steadily regained our momentum. We take great pride in the fact that despite the challenges of a post-Covid landscape, we’ve made the best of the situation and emerged stronger than ever!” 

What’s next for the Cross Dock team?

Looking ahead, we remain focussed on continuously improving our operations and efficiencies. We’ve spent the last year getting settled into Frontier Park and optimising our daily operations to ensure we provide the highest quality service to our clients, which has solidified our position as an industry leader. Moving forward, we aim to continue using data to identify areas for enhancement – leaving our doors firmly open for new potential partnerships and relationships.

We’re exceptionally proud of the continued growth and development of our Cross Dock team. We’d like to thank each and every team member for keeping the cogs turning and allowing Fagan & Whalley to provide the excellent service that our clients love us for!

For more information about our Cross Dock Operations or Warehousing services, please get in touch here. Alternatively, for the inside scoop and a behind-the-scenes look on our Compliance Department, check out our previous blog here.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Fagan & Whalley Limited

Latest news

1

Blackpool Council submits plans for town centre Multiversity Multiversity Sketch

Blackpool Council submits plans for town centre Multiversity

29 Nov 2023

2

Amanda’s personality shines on Lancashire Business Day 231124LBVLancashireDayEventweb 9898

Amanda’s personality shines on Lancashire Business Day

28 Nov 2023

3

Don't judge, not everybody's got a great brand, ok? Laura Weldon Studio LWD

Don't judge, not everybody's got a great brand, ok?

27 Nov 2023

4

Leyland Trucks donates £17,000 to local causes Leyland Trucks Helping Hand £100,000

Leyland Trucks donates £17,000 to local causes

30 Nov 2023

5

Business confidence reaches highest level this year Lloyds Bank Business Barometer

Business confidence reaches highest level this year

30 Nov 2023

2664LBD980x120gif
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
Help to Grow Management Course
Collaboration v3.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
31 Oct 2023 - 14 Feb 2024

Help to Grow Management Course

University of Central Lancashire, School, Online and face-to-face , UCLan, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 11:30

Business Networking in Longridge - BNI Longridge
EVENT LISTING SIZING Longridge.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Nov 2023

Business Networking in Longridge - BNI Longridge

Samlesbury Hotel, Longridge, PR3 2TU

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Nov 2023

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Nov 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
30 Nov 2023

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston

Samlesbury Preston Hotel, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Hotel, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista
EVENT LISTING Networking In Halifax (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
05 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista

Hampton by Hilton, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:45 - 08:30

Using your existing Pension to invest in Commercial property
Chris Montgomery SmgTvepind4 Unsplash
LBV Hub Webinar
05 Dec 2023

Using your existing Pension to invest in Commercial property

Zoom, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 09:45

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
06 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Twas the night before ransomware
Event Graphic 3.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
07 Dec 2023 - 07 Dec 2023

Twas the night before ransomware

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

14:00 - 17:00

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston

Samlesbury Preston Hotel, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV Advertising Visual NovDec
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin