My import business is getting killed by storage fees at the port. Our goods come in containers, get unloaded into a warehouse, sit for weeks, then get reloaded for regional delivery. This double-handling is slow and expensive. I keep hearing "cross-docking" is the solution for rapid distribution, but how does it actually work in practice? Is finding a reliable cross dock facility realistic for a small-to-midsize operation, or is it only for giant retailers?

You've perfectly identified the cost and time sink in traditional handling. Cross-docking is absolutely a viable strategy for operations of your size to streamline distribution. In practice, it eliminates the "storage" middleman. Inbound shipments from your port are unloaded, sorted immediately based on final destination (like a specific retail store or regional hub), and directly reloaded onto outbound trucks—often within the same day. The key is a facility with the right layout (typically an I-shape or L-shape for straight-through flow), sophisticated sortation systems, and meticulous coordination.
To make it work, you need a partner with expertise in time-critical transfers. This is where a dedicated cross dock facility with proven processes becomes essential. They manage the chaotic "break-bulk" process, ensuring your goods are scanned, sorted, and routed correctly without ever hitting long-term storage. For a real-world example of how this service is structured to minimize touch points and dwell time, you can look at the operational model at PNW Warehousing's cross-dock page. This approach can dramatically cut your costs and speed up your time-to-market.