GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026
Depot
In logistics operations, a depot is the point in the supply chain where goods are temporarily received, sorted, or consolidated before moving to the next transport leg.
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Source: https://wirtschaftslexikon.gabler.de/definition/depot-74967
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Logistics Concept
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Definition & Explanation
In logistics operations, a depot is the point in the supply chain where goods are temporarily received, sorted, or consolidated before moving to the next transport leg. The term covers a wide spectrum: simple warehouses, container parks, cross-docking facilities, and intermodal terminals at ports or rail yards all qualify. Freight forwarders, shippers, and 3PL providers use depots primarily for throughput – cargo stays only as long as needed for consolidation, relabelling, or onward dispatch, not for long-term stockholding. In customs contexts, a depot may be authorised to operate as a bonded warehouse, triggering additional regulatory requirements and stricter documentation controls.
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