System and method for automated cross-dock operations

A cross-dock management system comprising:

• a cross-dock having a plurality of doors at opposing ends of the cross-dock for receiving inbound trailers and for loading outbound trailers
• a plurality of spaces arranged in a grid pattern on the cross-dock,
• wherein the grid pattern comprises at least three rows and at least three columns, and
• wherein the separated spaces are angled approximately 30-45° with respect to the plurality of doors;
• a plurality of movable platforms arranged on the cross-dock in the separated spaces,
• wherein an area of each movable platform is substantially the same as an area of the separated spaces;
• wherein the plurality of movable platforms comprise:
• a plurality of vertical posts;
• and
• a plurality of engagement members on each vertical post configured to receive modular decks placed on the plurality of engagement members at varying heights;
• a plurality of conveyance vehicles,
• wherein a first subset of the plurality of conveyance vehicles are manually operated conveyance vehicles, and
• wherein a second subset of the plurality of conveyance vehicles are automated guided vehicles (AGVs);
• a local database for storing received manifest data,
• wherein the manifest data includes information classifying inbound movable platforms, inbound modular decks, and inbound freight as AGV-compatible or AGV-incompatible;
• and
• an initial setup optimization server for determining a plurality of ordered move instructions for moving the inbound movable platforms, the inbound modular decks, and the inbound freight based upon the manifest data,
• wherein a first subset of the ordered move instructions are assigned to and performed by the AGVs, and
• wherein a second subset of the ordered move instructions are assigned to and performed by the manually operated conveyance vehicles.