--- title: "Best practices: consolidation and cross-docking" description: Consolidation and cross-docking can help increase efficiencies and lower costs for shippers. image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/compliance_52907840_s.jpg --- - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) -   -   - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal) - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/) - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations) - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals) - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping) - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping) - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements) - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - Français - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cole_int_h_rgb.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) -   -   - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal) - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/) - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations) - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals) - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping) - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping) - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements) - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Home](https://www.coleintl.com/) - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Canadian Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [Cross-border Imports from U.S. into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-u-s-into-canada) - [Canadian Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/canadian-imports-by-ocean-or-air) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [U.S. Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage) - [Cross-border Imports from Canada into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-canada-into-the-u-s) - [U.S. Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/u-s-imports-by-ocean-or-air) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/free-trade-agreements) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [International Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/international-ocean-air) - [Cross-border/Domestic Freight](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/cross-border-domestic-freight) - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Canadian Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/canadian-customs-compliance) - [Audit Response Unit (ARU)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [U.S. Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/us-customs-compliance) - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/project-logistics-management) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/onlineportal/) - [U.S. Brokerage & Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [CDN Consulting Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/complianceportal/home.do) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [International Commercial Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [FAQ](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Learn More](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/learn-more) - [Overall Service Brochure](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/overall-service-brochure) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [CDN Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/cdn-trade-news) - [U.S. Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/usa-trade-news) - [eCommunications](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) - [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) - [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Français](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) × ### Request Info # Best practices: consolidation and cross-docking Published: September 9,2020 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Consolidation and cross-docking](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/consolidation-and-cross-docking) can help increase efficiencies and lower costs for shippers. ## Consolidation ![Consolidation\_0488\_screenshot-1](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Consolidation_0488_screenshot-1.png?width=400&name=Consolidation_0488_screenshot-1.png)Consolidation combines several smaller shipments into one larger load. For example, a furniture retailer might consolidate small shipments from a Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) or Knock Down (KD) furniture manufacturer, a casegoods manufacturer, and an upholstery manufacturer into one less expensive full truckload, rather than three separate LTL (Less Than Load) deliveries. Consolidation can: - Make it possible for shippers to get discounted pricing across all modes of transportation - Be useful for inbound supply shipments or outbound customer orders - Increase volume for weight advantage - Mean a customer service trade off between a delay and truckload rate savings ## Cross-docking ![Crossdocking\_0489\_screenshot-1-1](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Crossdocking_0489_screenshot-1-1.png?width=400&name=Crossdocking_0489_screenshot-1-1.png)Cross-docking is the process of receiving product, sorting it at the warehouse, and shipping it out without putting it into storage. For example, four full truckloads each with one commodity, such as shirts, hats, coats and pants arrive to the warehouse. The loading dock is used as a staging area where incoming shipments are quickly transitioned into outgoing shipments, eliminating the need to put the stock in storage and take up space in the warehouse. The four single-commodity truckloads are sorted into four mixed-commodity truckloads, each full of shirts, hats, coats and pants delivered to a clothing retailer. Instead of sixteen potential deliveries to four retailers, you’ll have four deliveries and lower costs. Cross-docking can: - Include full truckload inbound deliveries from suppliers and outbound deliveries to customers - Improve facility utilization by eliminating the need for inventory storage or adding new/extra warehouse space - Can provide a process for overnight delivery, without storage costs As proven best practices, consolidation and cross-docking can improve your supply chain’s performance and reduce your operations costs. Reach out to our Freight experts today to learn more about maximizing your delivery performance and efficiency. *Information provided by: Freight Dept. - Cole International* [Learn more about our freight services.](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding.php)  *[![Contact us today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/84565d83-1c5b-4a1a-a4b9-4a3d47a05ac8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/84565d83-1c5b-4a1a-a4b9-4a3d47a05ac8)* **Making you aware. It’s what we do.** [Back to blog list](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) [![Sign-Up | Cole Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1) ### Latest Articles - [Chinese holidays that disrupt shipping from China every year](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/chinese-holidays-that-disrupt-shipping-from-china-every-year) - [13 strategies to reduce your transportation costs](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/13-strategies-to-reduce-your-transportation-costs) - [4 mistakes to avoid when declaring value for duty](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-declaring-value-for-duty) - [Why 'reason to believe' catches Canadian importers off guard](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/why-reason-to-believe-catches-canadian-importers-off-guard) - [When and how to change a customs entry after import](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/when-and-how-to-change-a-customs-entry-after-import) ### Archive - [April 2026 (4)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/04) - [March 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026 (6)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (3)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2025/12) [Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/coleintl) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/) [Subscribe to our YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Get a quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cole-logo-horizontal-white.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) Cole International is a logistics solutions provider offering a full spectrum of services from customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing and trade consulting. #### Contact us today - [ Phone: 403-262-2771](tel:4032622771) - [ Toll Free: 1-800-313-4281](tel:18003134281) -  Fax: 403-262-7301 -  Accounting Fax: 403-262-8039 #### Corporate office 1111 49 Avenue NE Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 8V2 P.O. Box 2718, Station M Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 3C2 #### Stay connected - - - - - [![Image](https://coleintl.b-cdn.net/uploads/2025/10/02/mullen-group-white-logo-cropped.svg)](https://www.mullen-group.com/) Cole International Inc. is a subsidiary of Mullen Group Ltd. [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/ciffa-logo.png?width=106&height=30&name=ciffa-logo.png)](https://ciffa.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/FIATA-Logo.png?width=54&height=50&name=FIATA-Logo.png)](http://fiata.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/ncbfaa-logo.png?width=154&height=36&name=ncbfaa-logo.png)](https://www.ncbfaa.org/) [![marco polo line](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/marco-polo-line-logo.png?width=136&height=58&name=marco-polo-line-logo.png)](https://www.marcopololine.com/) [![cscb](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cscb-logo.png?width=85&height=36&name=cscb-logo.png)](https://cscb.ca/) © 2026 Cole International. All Rights Reserved. - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options.php) - [Legal](https://www.coleintl.com/legal.php) - [Service Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/service-terms.php) - [Accessibility](https://www.coleintl.com/services.php#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Freight Forwarding Dept. - Cole International", "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/author/freight-forwarding-dept-cole-international" }, "dateModified" : "2021-05-13T16:17:38.486Z", "datePublished" : "2020-09-09T15:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Best practices: consolidation and cross-docking", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/best-practices-consolidation-and-cross-docking", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png" }, "name" : "Cole International Inc." } } ```