As pressure intensifies across the logistics sector to cut costs, reduce emissions and boost turnaround times, many UK hauliers and container operators still rely on spreadsheets or entry-level tools to manage increasingly complex transport operations.
But what may seem like a familiar and low-cost option is, in fact, silently eroding margins and throttling business efficiency.
Efficiency is everything
In today’s climate of tight margins and rising costs – fuel, insurance, driver shortages, compliance – every operational gain matters. Most fleet managers wouldn’t hesitate to invest in a truck that delivers 0.5 mpg better fuel economy. So why not apply the same logic to your transport management system?
Manual planning or fragmented software often leads to limited visibility, firefighting, and lost profit. The consequences are costly:
- Missed delivery windows
- Increased empty running
- Delays in invoicing
- Poor subcontractor oversight
- Unclear job profitability
Seacon SG’s CEO, Martin Phillips, shared his perspective after switching to Fargo Systems’ TopsTMS®:
“We were running a complex container operation through spreadsheets. We thought we had visibility – but we didn’t. The system showed us where we lost time, money, and momentum. The improvement has been game-changing.”
Beyond the basics
As operations become more interconnected, linking port, rail, road, and inland logistics hubs, the case for digital transformation is increasingly urgent. Spreadsheets may feel familiar, but they are not scalable.
“Hauliers need tools that provide live operational insight, automated planning, and full financial integration,” explains Steve Collins, Managing Director at Fargo Systems. “This isn’t about digitising paperwork. It’s about building a system that supports smarter decisions. And let’s not forget – the software doesn’t take a holiday or phone in sick,”
The real-world impact
Moving to a fully integrated TMS like TOPS doesn’t just streamline operations – it drives measurable improvements across the board:
- Up to 30% reduction in planning hours
- Invoicing turnaround cut
- Identification and removal of unprofitable jobs
- Real-time visibility across assets, drivers, and subcontractors
- Automated compliance and POD generation
These aren’t theoretical gains – they’re being realised today by transport managers, operators, and planners who are making the switch.
A cost too high to ignore
Hauliers often cite cost or disruption as barriers to adopting a full-featured TMS. But the bigger question is: can you afford not to?
“We’ve seen operators hesitate,” says Steve. “But when we show them the real-world impact of inefficiencies – missed slots, lost revenue, billing delays – see the ROI immediately.”
Manual systems may have served the industry well in the past, but they now represent a competitive disadvantage in a sector under constant pressure. With increasing demand for visibility, agility and profitability, upgrading your TMS isn’t just a smart move – it’s a strategic necessity.
For operators preparing for growth and change – particularly those exploring new intermodal opportunities – now is the time to leave spreadsheet chaos behind. To book a no obligation discovery call, contact us.