With the two companies working together since 2018, transport management software brings strategic advantage to one of the UK’s major port groups

With the original deal signed at the Multimodal Show four years ago, transport management system specialist Fargo Systems and leading port operator PD Ports have been reaping the benefits of the strategic partnership ever since.

Decision made, TOPS was first introduced to PD Ports Teesport in 2018 and was soon considered a business essential and subsequently rolled out across the broader group. ‘TOPS…on the go’ was introduced at Teesport the following year and is due to follow TOPS into Felixstowe and Groveport in 2022

Operating at many key UK ports and logistics centres and with a growing European presence, PD Ports’ General Manager Transport, Russell Spink, knew of the technology’s game-changing capabilities, having used TOPS previously. He says:  “The installation of TOPS and ‘TOPS…on the go’ has further strengthened our container and general haulage function and has supported our continued growth over the past four years. We can now use a single transport system for different modes of cargo and interface across the group to improve efficiencies and reduce paperwork.”

Steve Collins, Managing Director at Fargo Systems, takes up the story: “TOPS and ‘TOPS…on the go’ ticked all the boxes for PD Ports, and they now operate across three separate branches, Teesport, Groveport and Felixstowe, collectively managing over 1,000 jobs per week.”

Russell Spink continues: “TOPS has given us greater visibility across the transport function. It has revolutionised our efficiency and allows us a more cohesive and streamlined operation, all running on one system, which has led to a raft of internal process improvements and a sea change in the customer service levels we can provide.

“TOPS not only integrates with all our other systems, including our IFS (Industrial and Financial System), giving us a more straightforward, smoother reporting and invoicing process but facilitates increased collaboration across the group. Its automated efficiencies have also provided an opportunity to review our admin staff requirements.

“But it’s in Teesport where it has been a total game-changer – integrating with other systems across Teesport, including Destin8, which provides increased visibility and functionality with other departments.

“And, if you offer a diverse range of services, such as container and general haulage, don’t rule out TOPS as the technology can handle everything you ask of it and more.”

Steve Collins concludes: “Last year we introduced a new company strapline – Together, Further, which we hope, reinforces that our commitment to working with clients is ingrained in our DNA. Our TopsTMS® technology has become the bedrock of many clients’ transport management systems and working with Russell and everyone at PD Ports exemplifies that this only happens when working in partnership.”