What Is Flow-Through Distribution?
Understand how Flow-Through Distribution fits into the supply chain
Flow-through distribution is a process in which products from multiple locations are brought into the distribution center and re-sorted by delivery destination then shipped out in the same day with little to no storage or handling time. Typically involving a combination of truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier resources, this practice eliminates warehousing, reduces inventory levels and speeds up order turnaround time.
Synonym: Cross Dock process in the transportation business. See also: Cross Dock