Company History

Bringing Cargo from Around the World to the Turks & Caicos Islands

 

Cargo Express Services Limited (CES) proudly stands as one of the oldest and most trusted shipping organizations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Founded in November 1995 and headquartered in Providenciales, CES has earned its reputation as a leader in the shipping industry through unwavering efficiency, professionalism, and a commitment to exceeding customer expectations.

Founding and Early Days

In its early days, CES operated from a modest 800-square-foot office in downtown Providenciales. Recognizing a critical need for a reliable global shipping company in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Managing Director Carl Simmons embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. “Back then, the shipping landscape consisted mainly of small, mom-and-pop companies using outdated methods, such as offloading cargo onto pallets with small cranes,” he recalls. “The cargo often arrived in poor condition, with parcels crushed or vehicles exposed to saltwater during transport.”

Strategic Partnership with Tropical Shipping

To address these challenges, Simmons forged a partnership with Tropical Shipping, a reputable carrier with over 50 years of experience in the Caribbean. At that time, the Turks and Caicos Islands were not on their shipping schedule. After extensive negotiations, Tropical Shipping agreed to work with CES, establishing a solid foundation for modernized container shipping in the region. Today, more than 21 years later, CES continues to represent Tropical Shipping in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Milestones in Shipping Services

CES’s journey officially began with the arrival of its first scheduled vessel, the Tropic Flyer, on April 1, 1996. This vessel arrived at the port of Providenciales from West Palm Beach, carrying seven containers and marking the beginning of a new era in shipping for the Islands, which at the time was dominated by competitors.

Thanks to positive economic growth in the region, CES expanded its services to Grand Turk in 1998 and South Caicos in 2001. In 2000, the company constructed an 8,400-square-foot bonded warehouse facility in Providenciales, significantly increasing its capacity and staffing to meet growing demand. By 2004, the warehouse expanded further to 14,400 square feet. In 2008, CES established the only bonded warehouse and office facility on Grand Turk, meeting the needs of a rapidly growing market. These enhancements, along with a reliable schedule, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service, have solidified CES’s position as a leader in the Caribbean shipping industry.

Current Operations and Market Share

Today, CES employs 37 individuals in Providenciales, three in Grand Turk, and two in South Caicos, holding 56% of the market share. Customers benefit from twice-weekly sailings into Providenciales, weekly services to Grand Turk, and twice-monthly sailings to South Caicos. As Simmons explains, “The Turks and Caicos Islands have no agriculture, no manufacturing—everything must be imported. Tourism drives our economy, making reliable shipping essential for businesses here.”

Clients source products from across the globe, including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. With tourism flourishing, Tropical Shipping is currently constructing two new vessels designed specifically to enhance cargo capacity and support trade in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Population

The local population, estimated at around 37,000 to 40,000, is complemented by hundreds of thousands of annual tourists, significantly increasing the demand for imported goods. “We cater to upscale ecotourism, ensuring we provide the best amenities for our visitors,” Simmons notes. High-end residential construction is also on the rise, with CES facilitating shipping services for luxury homes and developments, including those built for celebrities like Bruce Willis and Donna Karan.

Collaboration with Government and Key Partners

All ports in the Turks and Caicos Islands are government-owned. Simmons emphasizes the importance of infrastructure improvements at the port of Providenciales, particularly with the commissioning of the new Tropical Shipping vessels on the horizon. The government recognizes that efficient importation is crucial for generating revenue through import duties.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Simmons is focused on ensuring that CES and Tropical Shipping have the logistics necessary to support the region’s growth. “You can’t take anything for granted,” he advises, highlighting the importance of maintaining market share while adapting to customer needs.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement

Strategic partnerships are vital to CES’s success. The company works closely with key customers like Graceway IGA, the largest supermarket chain in the Turks and Caicos, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority and Fortis TSI, the local power supplier. During hurricane season, CES acts as a recovery carrier for the power company, collaborating with the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies as part of their Business Continuity Plan.

A Legacy of Service and Reliability

In summary, Cargo Express Services Limited has been a cornerstone of the Turks and Caicos Islands shipping industry for over 21 years. With a deep commitment to service excellence, CES is not only a freight-forwarding company and customs broker but also a vital link for customers sourcing cargo from around the world. Thanks to an extensive global network of agents, CES is uniquely positioned to accommodate the diverse shipping needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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