Becoming more flexible is often the solution to optmizing capacity. Are your loading docks built for the dual purpose of handling loose-loaded unit items as well as palletized and/or caged goods?
Don’t resort to palletizing loose-loaded goods manually, so you can move them traditionally. This labour-intensive routine slows the logistics process down considerably. Instead, it makes much more sense to upgrade the loading dock, so all types of cargo can be handled cost-effectively.
If your loading dock can handle all cargo types systematically, you can despatch boxes rather than partially loaded pallets. The same loading dock can be used for store replenishment, pallet distribution, and unloading containers from overseas.
Upgrading your loading dock isn’t expensive or time consuming, nor does it require that routines be radically changed.