Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) Practice Test 2025 - Free CLA Practice Questions and Study Aid.

Cross-docking is best defined as the direct transfer of goods from inbound to outbound transportation. This logistics practice involves unloading products from incoming trucks and immediately loading them onto outbound trucks, thereby minimizing storage time and reducing inventory holding costs. The essence of cross-docking is its focus on speed and efficiency, allowing for rapid fulfillment of orders and streamlined processes.

In contrast, the other options refer to different logistical practices. Receiving and storing goods for later use pertains to traditional warehousing, which involves keeping inventory on hand until needed for fulfillment. Shipping goods directly from suppliers to consumers typically describes drop shipping, where the seller never holds the inventory but instead coordinates directly with suppliers to ship products to customers. Merging different types of inventory in one location can refer to inventory consolidation or inventory management strategies, but it does not specifically capture the essence of cross-docking, which is about the seamless transfer of goods without significant storage.