Getac North America announced that Ward Transport & Logistics has deployed Getac ZX10 fully rugged Android tablets across its forklift fleet to modernize dock operations and improve network-wide freight visibility.

Ward Transport & Logistics is a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier serving the mid-Atlantic region, with more than 1,500 employees and 24 service centers. According to the announcement, the company has built its reputation over more than 90 years on delivering freight on time, claim-free, and at a competitive cost. Its operations center on fast-paced dock environments where freight is continuously unloaded, sorted, staged, and reloaded for outbound delivery.

From Paper to Windows to Android

Ward's warehouse operations had transitioned from paper-based workflows to vehicle-mounted computers. According to Ward, its legacy Windows-based systems introduced operational constraints: the devices required several minutes to boot, delayed shift starts, and created periods of unproductive downtime. Hardware reliability was also a persistent challenge, with device failures and maintenance issues requiring ongoing IT support.

To modernize operations, Ward deployed the Getac ZX10 across its forklift fleet at all 24 service centers, integrating each unit with barcode scanners and scale systems. The tablets now serve as the central interface for dock workers, enabling real-time scanning, weighing, tracking, and routing of freight from unloading through final outbound loading.

“When a truck arrives, it's scanned immediately,” said Zack Stewart, tech optimization manager at Ward Transport & Logistics. “From that point on, every movement requires the device to capture weight data to ensure accuracy throughout the process.”

On-Site Design Work

A key factor in the deployment's success, according to the announcement, was Getac's consultative, on-site approach. Getac and its partners worked directly with the Ward team to design and refine the solution from the ground up, testing mounting configurations across diverse forklift models and optimizing device placement to improve driver visibility and safety.

Since deploying the ZX10, Ward reports faster startup times and improved responsiveness that have reduced the boot delays that once slowed the start of every shift, along with fewer device failures and maintenance-related interruptions.

“We now have a breadcrumb trail of every piece of freight,” said Mike Zupon, vice president of technology at Ward Transport & Logistics. “It makes people more accountable and gives us the ability to coach and correct when needed.”

Freight Visibility Across the Network

With freight movements now digitally scanned and recorded, Ward has gained end-to-end freight visibility across its network, supporting more efficient linehaul planning and routing while helping the company meet increasingly complex customer demands.

"Ward Transport & Logistics' deployment shows what's possible when rugged technology is built into a workflow from the ground up rather than layered on top of it,“ said Charlie Gibbs, Director of Product Solutions at Getac North America. ”The ZX10 is giving Ward's dock teams the speed and reliability they need in the moment, while giving the broader organization the visibility to make smarter decisions network-wide."

Getac said it remains committed to supporting transportation and logistics organizations with rugged, reliable technology built for demanding frontline environments, helping operators stay focused on moving freight efficiently with the visibility customers expect.

About Getac

Getac Technology Corporation describes itself as a global leader in AI-capable rugged mobile technology and intelligent video solutions, including laptops, tablets, software, body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, digital evidence management and enterprise video analytics solutions. The company says it serves customers in over 100 countries spanning defense, public safety, ambulance, fire & rescue, utilities, automotive, natural resources, manufacturing, transport, and logistics. Getac was recognized as one of Newsweek's “World's Most Trustworthy Companies” for 2024.