Cross-docking operations: Current research versus industry practice

The technique of cross-docking, which consists in unloading trucks, sorting the items they contain and reloading them directly into outbound trucks in order to minimize temporary storage, has attracted researchers׳ attention in the past few years. The number of articles on the subject has been growing very fast, but largely detached from industry practice. In order to see whether the current state-of-the-art matches the industry practice, we propose a common framework that helps comparing the literature review regarding cross-docking operations with on-field observations and platform managers׳ interviews. Analyzing the gaps between the state-of-the-art and the industry practice helps drawing future research directions, in relation to industrial needs. •We analyzed the gaps between literature and industry practice to show future research directions.•We conducted 8 cross-docking platform visits and interviews with their managers.•We capture the main issues and challenges met in cross-docking operations in practice.