Distribution center (DC)
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is distribution center (DC)?
A distribution center (DC) is a large warehouse where a distributor receives bulk deliveries, stores them and ships orders to customers or its branches. Unlike a branch, a DC is built for volume and has no sales counter.
Distribution center (DC) example
A DC that receives 30 inbound trucks a day picks orders overnight for 15 branches and several hundred customers, and the outbound trucks leave before dawn.
Related terms
- BranchA branch is one of a distributor’s local locations, with a sales counter, a stocked warehouse and delivery trucks, placed close to the customers it serves.
- Warehouse management system (WMS)A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that directs and tracks the work inside a warehouse, from receiving and putaway to picking and shipping.
- Receiving and putawayReceiving and putaway are the warehouse steps that bring a supplier’s delivery into stock and make it available to sell.
- Cross-dockingCross-docking is moving goods from an inbound truck directly to an outbound truck with little or no time in storage.
- Third-party logistics (3PL)A third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a company hired to handle some or all of another company’s warehousing, order fulfillment and shipping.
