Break-bulk warehouses play a critical role in reducing transportation costs by:

Receiving Large Shipments: Bulk shipments are received from manufacturers or suppliers. These large volumes typically attract lower transportation costs per unit due to economies of scale.

Breaking Down Shipments: The large shipments are then divided into smaller, more manageable quantities suitable for distribution to various locations or directly to customers.

Distribution: The smaller shipments are then transported to their final destinations. This method ensures that transportation costs are minimized as the bulk of the travel is done in larger, cost-effective shipments.

Efficiency: This process helps in consolidating shipments, optimizing load capacities, and reducing the overall number of trips required.

References:

Bowersox, D. J., Closs, D. J., & Cooper, M. B. (2013). Supply Chain Logistics Management. McGraw-Hill.

Langley, C. J., Coyle, J. J., Gibson, B. J., Novack, R. A., & Bardi, E. J. (2008). Managing Supply Chains: A Logistics Approach. South-Western Cengage Learning.