Pool Distribution Service

Industries > Transportation

Definition

A hybrid freight transportation solution that allows companies to “pool” freight destined for multiple destinations in a region in full truckload quantities. These FTL’s are received at strategically located hub facilities where the freight is is cross-docked on to final mile delivery trucks . These cross-dock or “pool hub” facilities are typically located in a major market that is geo-centric to the final destination of the shipments received. The freight is deconsolidated, sorted, and re-loaded on to route trucks for next day delivery, typically within a 200 to 300 mile radius of the pool hub facility.

There are two main variations to this concept:

Carton Level.
Pallet Level.

Carton level involves floor and “shotgun” loading cartons from an origin distribution point, thereby maximizing cube capacity on the trailer. The other is simply consolidation of pallets. In either case the idea is to leverage the speed and economy of full truckload transportation for the longest stem miles of the transport.

This service usually features carton level visibility, absolute shipment integrity, and precise delivery appointments to consignees. This strategy is designed to utilizes the elements below & offers high volume shippers greater speed to market, security & reliability at a lower cost than other transportation modes.