With a proud heritage dating back to 1956, John Mitchell Haulage and Warehousing has built its reputation on consistently high standards and exceptional customer service – values now reinforced under the Gregory Group. To ensure these standards translate seamlessly into the digital age, the Grangemouth-based operator partnered with Fargo TOPS to modernise and futureproof its operations.
Recognising the need to adopt smarter working practices, John Mitchell invited Fargo to conduct a comprehensive review of its transport management systems. The exercise revealed untapped potential in its existing Fargo TOPS and Fargo YARD solutions, as well as opportunities for wider integration to support growth, efficiency, and service excellence.
Fargo’s Managing Director, Steve Collins, and Customer Success Director, Jim Slade, worked closely with the John Mitchell team to analyse daily processes and highlight areas where technology could make a real difference.
As Ross Mitchell, Operations Director, explains:
“We quickly saw that both Fargo TOPS and YARD had much greater functionality than was being used. The review was invaluable in showing us how we could achieve greater efficiency and offer even stronger service to our customers.”
Acting on Fargo’s recommendations, John Mitchell broadened its use of both Fargo TOPS and Fargo YARD by deploying the applications to their Drivers, remote workers and Yard handlers, while also looking at integration possibilities with other tools within the organisation. These integrated features connected every part of the operation, giving drivers, fleet managers, accounts, warehouse teams, and yard operatives shared access to real-time information.
The introduction of Fargo YARD’s integration with John Mitchell’s ANPR system has been especially impactful, fully automating the in-gate and check-in process. This integration not only reduced repetitive manual tasks but also improved turnaround times and allowed staff to concentrate their expertise on exception handling.
As Jim Slade notes:
“What makes this particularly powerful is Fargo’s willingness to work directly with John Mitchell’s suppliers to maximise system integration. By aligning YARD with ANPR, the business has achieved a new level of yard efficiency and customer visibility.”
The transformation has touched every part of the business. Paper-based administration, from purchase orders to workshop service documents, has been replaced with digital workflows. Service checks and maintenance records for the fleet are now logged directly into TOPS, strengthening validation and compliance. Drivers use Fargo TOPS’ Driver app functionality for job management, digital PODs, defect reporting, and real-time messaging, while traffic operators benefit from TOPS’ Remote app, which gives them live access to data from anywhere. Meanwhile, YARD’s Handler functionality equips warehouse teams with tablet-based job allocation, container interchange recording, and automatic customer reporting. This digital-first approach has even enabled John Mitchell to apply to the DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme, further underlining its commitment to compliance and best practice.
Angela Martin, Logistics and Customer Services Manager, reflects:
“Our strategy has always been to ensure we’re working as smart as possible to maintain the highest levels of service. With Fargo’s support, every area of the business now benefits from technology that keeps us efficient, compliant, and customer-focused.” For Fargo, the collaboration has been equally rewarding. Steve Collins adds: “The success of this project is a testament to the forward-thinking culture at John Mitchell. Their willingness to collaborate, innovate, and push us to deliver best-of-breed solutions makes them a great example of how a traditional operator can lead in the digital era.”
Now part of the Gregory Group, John Mitchell Haulage and Warehousing is ideally placed to combine its long-standing reputation for service with the strength of modern, integrated technology. With smarter systems, streamlined processes, and a culture of innovation, the company is ensuring it can continue to deliver the high standards and customer service that define both John Mitchell and the Gregory Group – now and into the future.