Ten Years in the Turks & Caicos Islands

Under a canopy of shady palms at the Coco Bistro in Provo, Tropical Shipping and Cargo Express employees and customers spent a festive October evening celebrating their 10-year partnership -- and toasting the many years that lay ahead.

"No one wanted to go home!" explained Tropical Shipping Pricing Director Anna Koldys. "We have a genuine partnership with our customers in the Turks & Caicos Islands. We were able to do this because our customers have supported us and helped us grow over these last 10 years."

That feeling is echoed by customers throughout the region.

"Over the years our shipping needs have increased exponentially and there has never been a time when Tropical Shipping could not rise to the occasion," said Brita Marofke of TCI Services Ltd., a distribution company based in Providenciales.

"Tropical Shipping is truly a trendsetter in this country; not only because of their professionalism, but also because their services continually expand and improve to stay up with the needs of their customers. We succeed as a result of their diligence in offering seemingly limitless levels of excellent service."

Jeffrey Mück of Palm Ventures Ltd. reiterated those sentiments and explained what his company's partnership means to their business.

"We are a custom millwork shop and construction company. This business has many suppliers and often very short notice requirements for building materials. Throughout the years we have come to rely heavily upon Tropical Shipping and their reliable service into the Islands. Because of Tropical Shipping’s diligence, professionalism, and timely support Palm Ventures has been able to extend excellence in service to our customers."

It was 1996 when Tropical began service to the Turks and Caicos Islands -- the year that business owners in the Turks & Caicos Islands were introduced to a shipping partner they could count on.

"Before 1996, the carriers came in to the Turk & Caicos Islands when they wanted to come in. There was no set schedule," Ms. Koldys continued, explaining the significance of the past decade for Tropical Shipping and Cargo Express.

"We were the first to offer any type of regularly scheduled fixed-day service, not to mention reliable refrigerated service and global connections. Prior to that, it was almost impossible as a customer to buy tiles from Italy or beer from Germany. Together with Cargo Express and, specifically Carl Simmons -- who has been with us literally since day one -- we have built this business with our customers."

The relationship between the two companies is one of mutual cooperation and respect.

"Tropical Shipping

Tim DiPietropolo (left) and Carl Simmons

and Cargo Express always strive to improve the level of service that we can provide to our customers", said Turks & Caicos Port Manager Tim DiPietropolo. "This can only be accomplished by giving appreciation to our very loyal staff who makes all things possible, both here in the Turks & Caicos as well as in the United States."

Ten years ago, Tropical ran services from a small warehouse on a dock that was subject to the elements. Today, the company works from Cargo Express' state-of-the-art warehouse and Tropical brings in two ships each week. Tropical is the only carrier to service Provo, Grand Turk and South Caicos. We were the first to offer a direct liner service to South Caicos and today continue to be the only company to offer direct service to Grand Turk.

"During the past ten years, we have found Tropical to operate like an extension of our business with personal service being their key ingredient, always willing to be flexible, and at times going the extra mile to make sure our cargo is received, handled correctly and delivered on time," said C. Warren Forde, Vice President of Operations for the Butterfield Gold Groups of Companies.

"They have been extremely reliable -- sailing around and in between hurricanes to ensure that they maintain their scheduled service. And, despite the pressure of operating under such conditions, they have never failed to keep us fully informed at all times so that we in turn can plan and co-ordinate our own operations in the event of any undue delays due to circumstances outside of their control."

Tropical Shipping President Rick Murrell explained that such service can be expected because "we are committed to the community and to continued economic development."

Mark Kearns, Tropical Shipping's Cayman and Turks & Caicos Trade Manager, explained that the Turks & Caicos market "is the most explosive market in the areas that Tropical serves. This was a night where the spotlight rightfully shone on all of those people that make it happen while at the same time showed our customers our appreciation to them for allowing us to play a part in their success."

Many of the Cargo Express and Tropical employees were recognized for their service by Mr. Kearns, Mr. Simmons, Mr. DiPietropolo and Mr. Murrell.

"I was honored to present a special gift to Carl for his hard work, dedication and loyalty to Tropical Shipping and to the customers of the Turks & Caicos Islands," Mr. DiPietropolo said.

"Our staff in the Turks & Caicos has seen tremendous growth -- not

Glenn Dutelle

only of the customer base and overall volumes -- but growth in the expansion of the offices and warehouse, introduction of new services such as Inland Trucking, Air Freight and the most frequent arrivals into the Turks & Caicos Islands.

We are very appreciative of our customers and our staff, both here in the Turks & Caicos as well as in the United States."

One such staff member is Glenn Dutelle, who has been with Tropical for 18-years and works in the corporate office at the Port of Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Florida.

"I've been a service coordinator for the Bahamas / Turks & Caicos Trade for nine years, and being sent to Provo for an appreciation event like this was great.

From left: Carl Simmons, Dawn McCormick and Rick Murrell

Tropical's commitment to providing the highest level of service was underscored when it was announced that evening that the company's newest vessel, the Tropic Dawn, was purchased to specifically serve customers in the Turks and Caicos.

The ship's purpose mirrors that of another Dawn. Dawn McCormick, a Trade Specialist for the Western Caribbean and Bahamas. Ms. McCormick was personally recognized by Murrell for "playing a key role in the success of the Provo trade."

"I was extremely honored to have been invited to meet our Turks and Caicos customers firsthand and to be in Provo at the same time as the naming of the Tropic Dawn," Ms. McCormick said.

Tropical Shipping