East Bergholt-based Fargo Systems has extended its links with Allport Cargo Services, which includes a base in Ipswich.

Having used Fargo’s Transport Operations & Processing System (TOPS) since 2011, Allport has now rolled out the smartphone version, TOPS on the go, across its own fleet and those of its subcontractors.

Freight forwarder Allport and its subcontractors serve a number of blue chip retail cleints including Monsoon, Matalan and New Look.

It decided that TOPS on the go could provide a significantly improved and consistent delivery service to its clients, but needed its subcontractor partners to support the initiative and make the financial investment to adopt its “technology of choice”.

Steve Collins, general manager at Fargo Systems, said: “Allport was conversant with our technology but the project they were proposing was unique in the logistics sector.

“Allport’s plan was to encourage its subcontractors to invest in our technology to ensure all clients received the same first class logistics service irrespective of which company undertook the delivery.”

Following successful negotiations with its subcontractors, Allport has signed a three-year contract with Fargo Systems and TOPS on the go is now deployed across 140 vehicles, covering Allport’s own fleet and subcontractors’ contract vehicles.

TOPS on the go is a real-time information system, enabling drivers to receive all job information and transmit PODs (proofs of delivery) via their smartphone.

Allport’s senior transport manager, Tony Belton, said: ‘Our focus was on the business efficiencies we could achieve through electronic delivery of PODs, getting instructions to drivers and the operational benefits the system would deliver.

“Our deployment of TOPS on the go has been a ‘win-win’ from all perspectives. Clients are reporting improved delivery performance, the paperless administrative system has led to smarter working practices internally and we are delighted at the commitment our subcontractors have shown in investing in the technology and cultivating long term partnership relationships.”