Sustainable Strategies to Reduce Logistics Costs Based on Cross-Docking – the Case of Emerging European Markets

The management of cross-docking platforms in Eastern and Central Europe faces in-creasing complexity amid persistent uncertainty and inflationary pressures. While artificial intelligence offers opportunities for innovation, capital costs remain significant, creating challenges for sustainable logistics operations. This study investigates strategies for reducing logistics costs through cross-docking while maintaining social responsibility standards in emerging markets. Our methodology employs a mixed-method approach incorporating pre-analysis of 33 recent bibliographical sources and quantitative modeling of cross-docking scenarios. We integrate environmental, social, corporate governance and artificial intelligence analysis using balanced scorecard criteria, alongside activity-based costing and corporate social responsibility implementation for resource management. The study examines three strategic cross-docking locations: Bratislava, Prague, and Budapest. Results demonstrate that optimized cross-docking operations achieve cost reductions of 10.61% for Eastern and Central Europe inbound logistics and 3.84% for Western European outbound logistics when utilizing the Budapest location. Activity-based costing analysis reveals labor (35-40%), equipment utilization (25-30%), and facility operations (20-25%) as primary cost drivers. The findings confirm that successful cross-docking in emerging markets require balanced integration of operational efficiency and sustainability practices. This research provides empirical evidence for logistics managers and policymakers, offering a com-prehensive framework for implementing sustainable cross-docking strategies in developing regions.