| What
is cros dock or cross docking ? |
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Cross
dock or cross docking is a term used in the
logistics or transport and means that a
certain package is not opened or repacked by
the actors in the supply chain. With other
words is it the producer of the products or
goods which packs and labels the package to
be shipped or transported to the end-user.
All the actors in the supply chain like
transport companies, resellers, distribution
centers, etc… who handle the package, do
not open the package or re-pack the package
but just take it in and send it out again. |
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| Insulated
thermal cross dock packaging |
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Temperature
sensitive products and goods are also
transported or shipped with this cross dock
formula. To do this the producer of the
temperature sensitive products can choose to
use a passive cooling technique which means
that an insulation material is used to
protect the temperature of the goods against
unwanted external or outer temperatures.
This insulation material is mostly placed on
the inside of the package which is closed,
sealed and labeled, ready for transport. As
said before this package will not be opened
or re-packed at the actors in the
temperature controlled supply chain or cold
chain. |
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| Single
use or multiple use insulated thermal cross
dock packaging |
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When
an insulated thermal cross dock packaging is
used, the choice could be made between a
single use or multiple use packaging system.
Each has its own advantages and
disadvantages. The company Krautz –Temax
develops and produces several single use and
multiple use insulated cross dock packaging
systems depending on the insulation quality
and logistic purposes or processes. |
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| Multiple
use insulated thermal cross dock packaging
for supermarkets |
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In
the picture a multiple use insulated
cross dock packaging is shown for
the distribution of temperature
sensitive food products like fresh
or frozen products. The packaging is
made to fit in roller containers and
are packed and labeled on a
supermarket base at the producer.
Next the package is cross-docked at
the distribution centers of the
supermarkets to be delivered at the
local stores. |
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Seeing
the package is a multiple use system, a return-flow
from end-user to the producer has to be organized. The
cross dock insulated package is mostly used for the
packaging of smaller transports in which the insulated
package is tailor made according to the usage or
desires of the customer. The package is produced out
of a special insulation foil and strong water
resistant outer and inner foils. Further the package
is enclosed in an aluminum construction to protect the
goods in transport. Grips on the package make it
easier to handle.
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| Option
Ice-packs chilled / frozen elements |
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Sometimes
it can be necessary to enclose extra ice-packs or
frozen elements to maintain the temperature for a
longer time. Therefore the insulated package is
foreseen with a special aluminum storage room for
these elements.
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