Cross Docking – Introduction
When rapid turn‑around matters, cross docking in Dallas delivers freight speed that rivals any U.S. logistics market.
With its central location and robust multi‑modal links, Dallas lets shippers keep goods moving, costs low, and customers happy.
What Is Cross Docking?
Cross docking is a supply‑chain strategy where inbound freight moves straight from the receiving dock to an outbound truck or rail car with little or no storage.
Pre‑distribution, post‑distribution, and hub‑and‑spoke models all cut dwell time and trim handling damage.
Why Choose Cross Docking in Dallas
Central Reach
Dallas puts trucks within a two‑day drive of nearly every major U.S. city, giving cross‑dock users faster coast‑to‑coast coverage.
Multi‑Modal Power
Interstates I‑35, I‑20, I‑30, and I‑45 intersect the metro, a major air‑cargo hub handles global freight, and a large intermodal rail terminal links national rail to local drayage.
Business & Talent Advantage
Texas offers a pro‑logistics tax structure, freight‑friendly incentives, and a deep workforce trained in distribution, automation, and 3PL tech.
Key Cross‑Dock Facilities Around Dallas
- Kentex Cargo – Carrollton: 2120 Hutton Dr. Ste 300, Carrollton TX 75006
- Midpoint Logistics Center, South Dallas – Two high‑clear buildings opened in 2023.
- Core30 Logistics Center, East Dallas – Class A cross‑dock campus near downtown.
- CORE5 Logistics Center, McKinney – Planned million‑square‑foot mega‑dock.
- Prologis Great Southwest 83, Fort Worth – High‑clear, regional distribution site.
- CPKC Zacha Transload Terminal, East Dallas – Rail‑linked cross‑dock and yard.
- Cowtown Express Cross‑Dock, DFW – Same‑day LTL and truckload turns close to the airport.
Core Services for Cross Docking in Dallas
- Dry non-hazmat truck‑to‑truck transfers
- Rail transloading from boxcar or container to trailer
- E‑commerce parcel sortation and last‑mile labeling
- Value‑added touches such as shrink‑wrap, pallet re‑stack, and QC inspections
Industries That Gain the Most
Retail, e‑commerce, food and beverage, automotive, industrial parts, and near‑shoring manufacturers all reap speed and cost wins by anchoring cross docking in Dallas.
Step‑by‑Step Cross‑Dock Workflow
- Pre‑alert and dock booking
- Inbound trailer check‑in
- Inspection and scan for damage or shortage
- Immediate sort or consolidation on the floor
- Outbound loading to waiting equipment
- Departure—often within 90 minutes for pallet loads
Cost Drivers & Typical Pricing
- Dwell Time: 60‑ to 120‑minute grace, then hourly trailer fees
- Handling: About $3–$6 per pallet for unload‑reload
- Facility Class: Newer high‑clear sites cost 5‑10 percent more than legacy dock‑high buildings
- Drayage: Proximity to rail and airport trims local trucking $75–$150 per move
Compliance, Safety, and Security
Dallas cross‑docks follow federal motor‑carrier rules, TSA cargo security, and state hazmat codes.
Most Class A buildings feature ESFR sprinklers, gated yards, and 24‑hour CCTV.
How to Pick the Best Dallas Cross‑Dock Partner
- Distance to customers and ports of entry
- Dock‑door density and yard space for peak season
- Tech stack: RF scanners, visibility portals, EDI/API links
- Service menu: temperature control, bonded overflow, hazmat segregation, e‑commerce sortation
- KPIs: cycle time, on‑time outbound rate, damage ratio
Emerging Trends Shaping Cross Docking in Dallas
Automation, electric yard tractors, the Mexico near‑shoring boom, and mega‑spec million‑square‑foot builds are redefining how quickly freight moves through the metroplex.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is cross docking in Dallas?
Class A sites often turn full truckloads in 90 minutes or less.
Can a Dallas cross‑dock handle small parcels?
Yes—many integrate parcel sort towers that feed national carriers the same day.
Is there a minimum shipment size?
Providers accept loads from a single pallet to multiple trailers, pricing by pallet, linear foot, or CWT.
Can I store overflow inventory?
Most sites offer short‑term overflow for one to three days; longer storage is in separate warehouses.
Are facilities near the airport?
Several cross‑docks sit within a fifteen‑minute drive of the cargo side of DFW airport, ideal for urgent air freight.