A depot in logistics is a location for the short-term storage and handling of goods or shipments. It forms an important interface between the sender, transport service provider, and recipient.
A depot is much more than just a warehouse. It serves as a logistics hub where shipments arrive, are sorted, picked, and prepared for onward transport. A depot is particularly indispensable in courier, express, and parcel services (CEP) and general cargo logistics.
In practice, a distinction is made between regional and central depots. Central depots control the flow of goods over long distances, while regional depots handle local distribution. This makes a depot essential for fast delivery times and economical transport routes.
The main functions include receiving goods, intermediate storage, shipping goods, returns processing, and sometimes quality control. Modern depots use automated conveyor systems, scanning technology, and warehouse management software to manage processes efficiently.
Another key element is the bundling of shipments. This consolidation makes transport more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Depots are becoming increasingly important, especially in e-commerce, as they enable fast and comprehensive delivery.
In many cases, a depot also functions as a transshipment point in a hub-and-spoke system. This involves channeling goods flows through hubs to bundle deliveries and reduce transport costs. The term "cross-docking" describes a particularly efficient form of processing in which goods are forwarded directly without intermediate storage.
A depot should not be confused with a traditional warehouse. While warehouses are often designed for long-term storage, the focus of a depot is on short-term transshipment. The retention time of goods is short, usually only a few hours or days.
Depots are also used in temperature-controlled logistics. Here, perishable goods such as food or medicines are temporarily stored before being forwarded to retailers or end customers.
