Cross-Dock Switzerland 2025: Guide to Importing Your Goods

Understanding Cross-Dock: Definition and Mechanisms Cross-docking is a logistics method where products are quickly transferred from suppliers to customers, minimizing or eliminating storage time, hence the term "transshipment." This technique aims to increase efficiency and accelerate deliveries in supply chain management. This method is often used by large corporations, such as the Post Office or Manor, which describes in detail the reasons and benefits (see Manor's cross-docking guide), or in sensitive sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry.

Cross-docking follows a structured process where goods are received at an inbound dock, sorted and labeled according to specific needs, then transferred directly to the outbound dock. Products can be unpacked, transferred to conventional trucks, and shipped to their final destinations within a few hours.

The benefits of cross-docking include several measurable economic (and environmental) dimensions:

●  ​  Reduced storage costs: Elimination of warehouse rental costs, electricity, utilities, security, maintenance, and insurance. Goods spend only a few hours in the facility.

●    ​  Transport optimization: Consolidation of shipments allows for more efficient use of loading capacity and a reduction in the number of shipments, particularly if shipments are grouped.

●    ​  Improved inventory turnover: Reduction in inventory waiting days, freeing up working capital for other business needs.

●    ​  CO2 savings: By reducing warehouse storage time, cross-docking saves electricity, heating, space, and labor (when moving goods within the warehouse).

STAR Logistique has been operating since 1988 and has been offering tailor-made logistics and transport solutions for all stages of the supply chain for 37 years. The Geneva-based company has established itself as a leading provider of cross-dock services thanks to its comprehensive expertise.

STAR Logistique handles the entire flow of goods: receiving, processing control, package preparation, labeling, shipping, and tracking. Based in Geneva and neighboring France, the company offers a full range of logistics services, including warehousing, cross-docking, logistics design (WMS), e-logistics, and cross-border services, ensuring complete inventory management from order to delivery.

Refrigerated cross-docking saves on cold storage costs and allows for rapid reshipment, with storage limited to 24-48 hours. STAR Logistique offers two temperature-controlled ranges: chilled (2°C to 5°C) and frozen (-20°C) for warehousing, as well as refrigerated transport solutions, shuttle and refrigerated rounds, and regular cold lines.

Cold chain logistics

The company offers storage solutions in Germany, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, with worldwide distribution.

Traditional cross-docking will represent 32.9% of the market in 2025, involving the sorting and redistribution of products with little or no storage. This approach allows distributors and retailers to significantly reduce the time required for inventory movement and save money. Companies can rely on this technique to become more competitive.

This variant integrates additional value-added services, adapted to products requiring repackaging, labeling, or final assembly before distribution. Thus, the goods pass through several platforms (or stages) before reaching the final recipient.

A flexible solution that responds to fluctuations in demand or specific logistics opportunities. For example, a customer order arrives at the same time as a supplier order. This means the order is shipped directly and will not be stored in a warehouse.

The rapid growth of e-commerce is increasing the demand for cross-docking to enable faster delivery of shipments to customers. Fast delivery is important in an environment where speedy delivery builds an e-commerce retailer's reputation. In this ultra-competitive environment, e-commerce companies are actively using cross-docking facilities managed by 3PLs to streamline the fulfillment of high-volume orders.

STAR Logistique specializes in temperature-controlled logistics for demanding sectors: delicatessen, pharmaceutical and medical, cosmetics, biotechnology and chemical industry. It offers warehousing for approximately 24/48 hours using the cross-docking method and adapted solutions for regular transport, refrigerated shuttle and regular cold line. Refrigerated and isothermal transport of sensitive products is currently carried out at controlled temperatures of +2°C to +5°C and -20°C.

With over 37 years of experience, the company is a trusted partner for the transport of valuable goods in Switzerland and border areas, particularly in the luxury goods sector, including watches, guaranteeing complete security and the confidentiality necessary for this type of operation.

Secure Transportation

As of January 1, 2024, import duties on industrial products are eliminated, including goods in tariff chapters 25 to 97. This change primarily simplifies customs clearance processes for Swiss businesses and consumers.

The standard VAT rate is 8.1%, while the reduced rate is 2.6%. As of January 1, 2025, the value exemption threshold for imports decreases from CHF 300 to CHF 150, subjecting all imported goods exceeding CHF 150 to Swiss VAT. However, if the company generates a turnover of If the company generates more than CHF 100,000 per year (depending on the type of activity), it must register for VAT. If the company does not have a registered office in Switzerland, it must appoint a tax representative.

All goods imported into Switzerland must be declared to the Federal Customs Administration (FCA) in writing or electronically via​ the e-dec system. The required information includes the weight, origin, value, and tariff number of the goods, which must be accurate to avoid delays or complications.

Warehouse management systems will represent 36.9% of the market in 2025, providing real-time visibility and control over all warehouse operations. STAR Logistique uses a WMS that allows direct access to inventory for optimized management and replenishment as needed.

WMS

La surveillance de température constitue une priorité, les conducteurs assurant un transport à température contrôlée grâce au système de suivi de température. Les technologies de pointe garantissent un stockage à température contrôlée pour les marchandises sensibles, surveillées de la réception à la livraison finale. Le transport réfrigéré et isotherme de produits sensibles se fait à deux échelles de températures contrôlées de: +2°C à +5°C et -20°C.

Refrigerated Transportation

Cross-docking generates measurable savings on several levels:

● ​   Storage Costs: Drastic reduction in warehouse, handling, and insurance costs

● ​   Transport Optimization: Fewer empty returns and route optimization, reducing mileage costs

●      Working Capital: Faster inventory turnover, freeing up working capital for other business needs

Key metrics include inventory turnover rate, average processing times, customer service level, and total cost of ownership.

Selection requires the evaluation of several critical factors:

●      Infrastructure and Location: Strategically positioned warehouses and technical capabilities. STAR Logistics specializes primarily in the warehousing and transportation of goods from Europe and internationally to Switzerland, or vice versa.

● ​   Certifications: Compliance with industry standards (ISO, HACCP, ADR)

● ​   IT Systems: WMS integration and complete traceability

●      Sector Expertise: Knowledge of specific regulations

The company manages all stages of the supply chain: warehousing, cross-docking, logistics solution design, and comprehensive management, with secure national and international transportation services.

The Swiss cross-docking services market is expected to grow during the period 2023-2029. The rapid growth of e-commerce is creating a need for more flexible distribution methods, combined with a growing focus on sustainability and cost reduction.

Technological integration and growing economies are key differentiators, with leading competitors striving to expand by adopting new and advanced technologies.

To optimize cross-docking implementation:

1. Needs Assessment: Detailed analysis of volumes, lead times, and delivery areas
   
2. Partner Selection: Prioritize local expertise and international coverage
   
3. Technological Integration: Synchronize systems with the service provider
   
4. Team Training: Prepare for new operational processes

Success requires a strategy, precise planning of receipts and shipments, appropriate indexing for rapid package identification, and close coordination with logistics partners.

Cross-docking represents a strategic solution for imports into Switzerland, particularly in the favorable regulatory environment of 2025. The abolition of customs duties on industrial products since January 2024 simplifies their importation, creating opportunities for logistics optimization.

STAR Logistique, with its leading positioning and comprehensive expertise, has supported companies in this transformation since its creation in 1988. More than just a transport and logistics company, STAR Logistique is a strategic partner for business development between Switzerland and France, drawing on its experience and commitment to logistics excellence.

For a personalized assessment of your cross-dock import needs, contact STAR Logistique. The team's expertise and in-depth knowledge of the Swiss market guarantee tailor-made solutions adapted to the specific requirements of each sector.

Cross-docking

Also discover our complementary services:  logistics, international transport, e-logistics and ​Cold Chain Logistics.