Shepherd Distribution Services manage continued growth with Mandata
Improved Customer Service
"The main way that Mandata helps us add value to our customer service offering is in giving real‑time information"
Pallet Network Visibility
"Mandata helps us with the planning side of things, for our Palletline work, or our other types of work."
For over three decades, Shepherd Distribution Services has relied on Mandata Transport Management Software (TMS) to power its operations and deliver the high levels of visibility its customers expect.
From groupage steel distribution to Palletline network movements, Mandata provides the data, connectivity and control Shepherds needs to operate efficiently, profitably and transparently.
Based in Sheffield, Shepherd Distribution Services is a long‑established transport operator specialising in groupage services for the steel industry, alongside palletised freight moved through the Palletline network.
“We’re based in Sheffield, and predominantly do groupage services to the steel,” explains John Parker, IT Manager at Shepherd Distribution Services. “And we are part of Palletline, and we have been using Mandata since the early part of the 1990s.”
With decades of Mandata experience behind them, Shepherds continues to evolve its transport operations using technology to meet modern customer demands.
Technology driven by customer expectations
Like many transport operators, Shepherd Distribution Services has seen growing pressure from customers for greater transparency and real‑time delivery updates.
“Technology is really important to our business, as it is a demand from our customers to have more and more information,” says John. “About how their delivery is being processed. How it is going on through the day? Is it on time?”
Mandata TMS provides the data backbone that allows Shepherds to confidently answer those questions.
“All those individual factors that a customer needs – and they want to have that information to hand,” he adds. “And Mandata helps provide that information.”
Seamless online order entry with Mandata Web Portal
Using the Mandata Web Service Portal, Shepherd Distribution Services has transformed how orders enter the business.
“Mandata helps simplify the job order process by giving us an online portal that our customers can have access to,” says John.
Previously, orders arrived via phone, email or even fax, creating time‑consuming manual data entry for the traffic team.
“Before we would receive a telephone call, an email or a fax, and we would then have to manually key into the TMS system.”
Today, orders flow directly from customer to Mandata TMS:
“Now, that is one seamless process – from the website, into the TMS system, saving us time, and money.”
Intelligent job planning across steel and Palletline operations
Shepherd Distribution Services runs multiple transport models in parallel — including dedicated steel work and Palletline pallet movements. Mandata enables the team to plan each job correctly from the outset.
“Mandata helps us with the planning side of things; every order, every customer can be categorised,” explains John. “So we know certain customers fall into our steel pot. Certain customers fall into our Palletline pot.”
Using Mandata’s Traffic Pad and filtering tools, the team can instantly determine how each consignment should move through the network.
“We then use all these different filters that narrow down how this order will be processed within our fleet,” he says. “Is it going to go via the Palletline network? Or is it going to go via our own steel network?”
This structured planning ensures compliance with Palletline requirements while maintaining efficiency across Shepherds’ own vehicles.
Mandata integrates with all major pallet network systems, including Palletline, enabling users to manage network consignments alongside other types of work in one central system. This provides full visibility of drivers and vehicles across all planned activity, helping transport operators maximise planning efficiency across their entire operation.
Real‑time visibility with Mandata Manifest
Once planned, Mandata continues to support Shepherds throughout the delivery day using Mandata Manifest, giving the traffic team real‑time operational insight.
“The previous night we will have planned today’s deliveries,” says John. “And then the team today can see the jobs that are in the system – which vehicles are allocated to it, which drivers are allocated to it.”
As drivers work through their routes, status updates flow straight back to the office.
“As they are using the Mandata Manifest app, that information is coming back in real time, so they can see how well they are getting on in the day.”
Colour‑coded job statuses provide instant clarity across the operation.
“Every job is colour coded, so we can see if something’s going amiss, or arrived, or whether it’s been delivered.”
Faster POD, invoicing and integrated finance
Mandata also streamlines Shepherd Distribution Services’ post‑delivery processes, helping the business improve cash flow and customer service.
“Mandata helps us with PODs and invoicing,” says John. “As soon as we scan something into the system, if a customer is set up, within half an hour they will receive that in an email POD.”
This eliminates manual searching and postal delays.
“So we don’t have to root around, or send via post.”
Invoices are generated automatically and passed into Sage, creating a smooth finance workflow.
“An invoice can be generated, information is then sent to Sage, which we use,” John explains.
“Now we have a process where customers can automatically receive an invoice in an email with PODs if they are attached.”
The Mandata Manifest app provides live ETAs, instant ePODs, delivery conformance, real-time goods tracking, and so much more – everything needed to stay in control and ahead of the game.
Adding value through real‑time customer visibility
One of the biggest benefits of Mandata for Shepherd Distribution Services is the added value it delivers to customers through real‑time information access.
“The main way that Mandata helps us add value to our customer service offering is in giving real‑time information via the Web Service Portal,” says John.
Customers can check the status of their deliveries at any time without making a phone call.
“Customers can log onto the portal and see how their job is performing instantly,” he adds. “They’ll be able to see ‘On Route’, ‘Arrived’, and when it has been delivered.”
Proof of delivery is also instantly accessible:
“They’ll also be able to see the name and signature of the person that signed for that particular job.”
Why Shepherd Distribution Services recommends Mandata
After decades of working with Mandata, John is clear about the value the system brings to transport operators.
“For anyone not using Mandata, I would say, the name gives it away,” he concludes. “Data is the key to our business, and Mandata TMS helps us access that data and then use it to help us be more profitable.”
Want to see how Mandata TMS can support your transport operation?
From pallet networks to complex groupage and specialist distribution, Mandata provides the data, visibility and control you need to succeed.
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Shepherd Distribution Ltd has been using Mandata since the early 1990’s to manage their transport operation.
Laurence Abel and John Parker explain how they manage all their processes from orders and job entry through to invoicing with a Mandata transport management system, as well as managing the complexities of being a Palletline pallet network member and a bulk steel operator.
“The main way Mandata helps us add value is in giving real-time information. Our customers can see how their job is performing instantly with proof of delivery as well as the name and signature of who’s signed for each job.”
IT Manager, Shepherd Distribution