Theme

Hubs & Sortation ​

Distribution hub and sortation center management for package routing, consolidation, and cross-dock operations.

Hub Operations

Complete hub and sortation management:

  • Hub Registration - Configure sortation centers and distribution hubs
  • Sortation Operations - Automated and manual package sorting
  • Cross-Dock - Direct transfer without storage
  • Consolidation - Package aggregation for efficiency
  • Throughput Management - Capacity and performance tracking
  • Zone Management - Organize hub areas and workflows

Hub Types: Sortation centers, distribution hubs, cross-dock terminals, parcel hubs

Overview ​

Hubs & Sortation manages the critical middle-mile infrastructure where packages are sorted, consolidated, and routed to their destinations. Optimize hub operations for maximum throughput, minimal handling time, and efficient network flow.

Who Uses Hub Management? ​

Parcel Carriers

  • High-volume sortation
  • Automated sorting systems
  • Multi-destination routing
  • Network optimization

3PL Providers

  • Distribution center operations
  • Cross-dock facilities
  • Multi-client consolidation
  • Hub network management

LTL Carriers

  • Freight consolidation
  • Linehaul routing
  • Terminal operations
  • Load optimization

E-Commerce Fulfillment

  • Package sortation
  • Order consolidation
  • Regional distribution
  • Returns processing

Hub Types ​

Sortation Centers ​

High-throughput automated sorting facilities.

Characteristics:

  • Automated conveyors and scanners
  • High package volume (10,000+ per hour)
  • Multi-destination routing
  • Minimal storage time

Use Cases:

  • Parcel carrier networks
  • E-commerce distribution
  • Regional sorting
  • Peak season handling

Distribution Hubs ​

Regional distribution centers with storage capabilities.

Characteristics:

  • Temporary storage capacity
  • Zone-based distribution
  • Multi-client operations
  • Inventory management

Use Cases:

  • Regional distribution
  • Multi-client 3PL
  • Retail replenishment
  • B2B fulfillment

Cross-Dock Terminals ​

Direct transfer facilities with minimal dwell time.

Characteristics:

  • No long-term storage
  • Rapid throughput (< 24 hours)
  • Direct transfer operations
  • High dock utilization

Use Cases:

  • LTL freight transfer
  • Time-sensitive shipments
  • Network optimization
  • Cost reduction

Parcel Hubs ​

Package handling and routing facilities.

Characteristics:

  • Small package focus
  • Barcode scanning
  • Address verification
  • Route assignment

Use Cases:

  • Last-mile distribution
  • E-commerce orders
  • Return consolidation
  • Local delivery hubs

Core Capabilities ​

Hub Registration ​

Configure hub facilities with zones, capacity, and operations.

Hub Configuration:

  • Location and service area
  • Operating hours (24/7 or scheduled)
  • Throughput capacity (packages per hour)
  • Zone structure (receiving, sorting, shipping)
  • Equipment (conveyors, scanners, sorters)
  • Dock assignments

→ Hub Management API

Sortation Operations ​

Automated and manual package sorting processes.

Sorting Methods:

  • Automated - Conveyor systems with scanners
  • Manual - Hand-sorting by destination
  • Semi-Automated - Assisted sorting
  • Zone-Based - Geographic grouping

Sortation Flow:

  1. Inbound packages arrive
  2. Scan and identify
  3. Destination determination
  4. Route to appropriate chute/zone
  5. Consolidate by route
  6. Load for outbound

→ Sortation API

Cross-Dock Operations ​

Direct transfer without warehousing.

Cross-Dock Process:

  1. Inbound shipment arrives
  2. Unload at receiving dock
  3. Sort and consolidate immediately
  4. Transfer to outbound dock
  5. Load for destination
  6. Ship within hours

Benefits:

  • Reduced handling costs
  • Faster transit times
  • Lower inventory holding
  • Improved efficiency

→ Cross-Dock API

Consolidation Management ​

Combine shipments for efficient transportation.

Consolidation Strategies:

  • Route-Based - Same delivery route
  • Destination-Based - Same final hub/zone
  • Time-Based - Same departure schedule
  • Carrier-Based - Same carrier assignment

Benefits:

  • Lower transportation costs
  • Fuller truck loads
  • Fewer vehicle trips
  • Environmental benefits

→ Consolidation API

Throughput Management ​

Track and optimize hub capacity and performance.

Throughput Metrics:

  • Packages processed per hour
  • Average dwell time
  • Sorting accuracy rate
  • Dock utilization
  • Labor productivity

Capacity Planning:

  • Peak capacity limits
  • Overflow handling
  • Shift scheduling
  • Equipment utilization

→ Throughput API

Zone Management ​

Organize hub areas for efficient workflows.

Hub Zones:

  • Receiving - Inbound dock and unloading
  • Sorting - Package sortation area
  • Consolidation - Route/destination grouping
  • Staging - Pre-load organization
  • Shipping - Outbound dock and loading
  • Returns - Return package processing
  • Overflow - Temporary storage

→ Zone Management API

Inventory Slots ​

Reserve capacity slots for inbound, sortation, and outbound operations.

Slot Types:

  • Receiving Slots - Inbound truck dock time windows
  • Sortation Slots - Processing capacity allocation
  • Staging Slots - Pre-load bay assignments
  • Shipping Slots - Outbound carrier pickup windows

Key Features:

  • Dock appointment scheduling
  • Capacity management
  • Real-time availability
  • Prevent congestion

→ Inventory Slots API

Hub Operations ​

Inbound Processing ​

Receive and process incoming shipments.

Inbound Workflow:

  1. Truck arrives at receiving dock
  2. Unload packages
  3. Scan all barcodes
  4. Verify against manifest
  5. Route to sorting area
  6. Update hub inventory

Sorting Process ​

Sort packages by destination and route.

Sorting Steps:

  1. Package enters sorting area
  2. Barcode scan for destination
  3. Automated or manual routing
  4. Chute/zone assignment
  5. Package accumulation
  6. Quality check

Consolidation ​

Group packages for efficient dispatch.

Consolidation Steps:

  1. Packages sorted by destination
  2. Group by delivery route
  3. Calculate load optimization
  4. Assign to outbound vehicle
  5. Generate manifest
  6. Stage for loading

Outbound Dispatch ​

Load and ship consolidated packages.

Dispatch Workflow:

  1. Retrieve staged packages
  2. Verify against manifest
  3. Load into vehicle
  4. Final scan
  5. Depart hub
  6. Update shipment status

Use Cases ​

Parcel Carrier Sortation Network ​

Scenario: National carrier with 20 sortation hubs

Hub Network:

  • 4 national hubs (500K packages/day each)
  • 16 regional hubs (100K packages/day each)
  • Automated sorting systems
  • 24/7 operations

Operations:

  1. Packages arrive from collection routes
  2. Automated sortation by ZIP code
  3. Consolidation by destination hub
  4. Linehaul to next hub
  5. Final sortation for delivery routes

Key Metrics:

  • 99.8% sorting accuracy
  • 4.2 hour average hub dwell time
  • 98% on-time dispatch
  • 85% automation rate

3PL Cross-Dock Network ​

Scenario: Regional 3PL with 5 cross-dock facilities

Hub Strategy:

  • Minimize inventory holding
  • Rapid throughput (< 12 hours)
  • Multi-client operations
  • Cost-effective distribution

Operations:

  1. LTL freight arrives from suppliers
  2. Quick unload and sort
  3. Consolidate by retail destination
  4. Reload for delivery routes
  5. Ship same day

Benefits:

  • 35% cost reduction vs warehousing
  • 50% faster delivery times
  • 90% dock utilization
  • Higher margins

E-Commerce Returns Hub ​

Scenario: Online retailer with centralized returns processing

Hub Configuration:

  • Returns-focused sortation
  • Quality inspection stations
  • Refurbishment area
  • Inventory restocking

Process:

  1. Returns arrive from customers
  2. Sort by product category
  3. Quality inspection
  4. Disposition decision (resell, refurbish, dispose)
  5. Restock or process accordingly

Key Benefits ​

Operational Efficiency ​

Automated Sorting:

  • High-speed processing
  • Reduced labor costs
  • Improved accuracy
  • 24/7 operations

Optimized Flow:

  • Minimal handling
  • Reduced dwell time
  • Streamlined processes
  • Better throughput

Cost Reduction ​

Consolidation Savings:

  • Fuller truck loads
  • Fewer delivery trips
  • Lower fuel costs
  • Reduced emissions

Labor Efficiency:

  • Automation reduces headcount
  • Better productivity
  • Optimized staffing
  • Lower overtime

Network Optimization ​

Strategic Positioning:

  • Geographic hub placement
  • Service area coverage
  • Transit time reduction
  • Cost-effective routing

Capacity Management:

  • Handle volume spikes
  • Peak season readiness
  • Overflow contingency
  • Scalable operations

Hub Performance Metrics ​

Throughput Metrics ​

Volume:

  • Total packages processed
  • Packages per hour
  • Peak capacity utilization
  • Seasonal volume trends

Speed:

  • Average dwell time
  • Sorting time per package
  • Dock turnaround time
  • Dispatch frequency

Quality Metrics ​

Accuracy:

  • Sorting accuracy rate
  • Mis-sort percentage
  • Damage rate
  • Lost package rate

On-Time Performance:

  • Dispatch adherence
  • Processing within SLA
  • Outbound on-time rate
  • Downstream impact

Cost Metrics ​

Operational Costs:

  • Cost per package processed
  • Labor cost per package
  • Equipment costs
  • Facility overhead

Efficiency:

  • Labor productivity (packages/hour)
  • Equipment utilization
  • Space utilization
  • Energy efficiency

Integration Patterns ​

Warehouse Management Systems ​

Integrate hub operations with WMS platforms.

→ WMS Integration Guide

Automated Sorting Systems ​

Connect with conveyor and scanning equipment.

→ Sorting Systems Integration

Transportation Management ​

Sync hub operations with TMS for routing.

→ TMS Integration

API Reference ​

For detailed API documentation including endpoints, schemas, and examples:

Hubs API OverviewComplete LSP APIQuick Start Guide

Next Steps ​

Hub Setup GuideLSP OverviewComplete API Reference

Related LSP Services: