In a distribution center, cross-decking primarily involves which of the following?

Cross-docking in a distribution center is a logistics practice where goods are directly transferred from incoming transportation to outgoing transportation without being stored in the facility for an extended period. This process minimizes storage time and allows for faster delivery to customers or retailers. By focusing on the efficiency of moving products directly to their next destination, cross-docking helps reduce handling costs, speeds up the supply chain, and enhances overall operational effectiveness.

In contrast, long-term storage of merchandise is not a characteristic of cross-docking, as the key feature is the immediate transfer of goods. Preparing goods for customer pickup may involve various stages within a fulfillment center but does not align with the cross-docking principle, where products are typically not waiting for customer pickup at that moment. Similarly, organizing inventory by vendor focuses more on management and categorization of stock rather than the direct transit of goods, which is central to the cross-docking process.