Jamaica Trading Services celebrates 30 years of excellence

Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) member company Jamaica Trading Services (JTS) has been a premier provider of commercial logistic services in Jamaica's vibrant shipping industry for the past three decades. The company, which was incorporated in 1988 with a vision to assist returning residents from the United Kingdom (UK) with their personal effects needs when relocating to Jamaica, now handles imports and exports worldwide and has developed a reputation in the market for its distinctive and expert consultation on global logistics.

"Our early vision has evolved to incorporate other logistical services such as ground transportation, full- and less-than-container-load moves, air and ocean commercial freight, courier and customs brokering", says JTS Chairman Philip Jackson.

"Even though we have been successful, we have remained true to our roots. We were among the first to offer a door-to-door service, simply because we have always kept the needs of our clients at the forefront of our minds. This proud tradition continues", Jackson said.

JTSs' clients often need information and guidance regarding the intricate processes involved in interfacing with Jamaica Customs and regulatory bodies, areas in which Jackson and Managing Director Mitzie Gordon Burke-Green possess formidable combined experience of more than 60 years.

Gordon Burke-Green noted recently that, "We've managed to make it this far because we adapt to change - that's the secret to our longevity - as well as the fact that we have had great working relationships with our partners and industry players".

"No two days are ever the same, and you are happy to be a part of it," she added.

As the company celebrates this milestone, the staff complement has since grown from the five members in 1988 to some 30-plus employees, with two locations: a head office in Kingston and a branch office in Montego Bay.

Mrs Burke-Green credited the company's continued growth to the contribution of past and present staff, customers and partners, without whom JTS would not be the company it is today. She acknowledged that there have been many challenges along the way, but by adapting to the ever-changing needs of their customers and the evolution of the market, they have weathered the storms. She added that the company's ethos revolves around going the extra mile, and they pride themselves on being client-centred.

Locally, the JTS is affiliated with a variety of commercial associations such as the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), the Jamaica Export Association (JEA), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) and the Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders of Jamaica (CBFFAJ), which lends to the organisation's credibility and strengthens their corporate citizenship. Internationally, the organisation represents major partners in the United States,the UK, Brazil, Asia, and Germany, among other key international gateways.

The company's UK partner, West Indies Freight, has been in existence for more than 50 years, and holds an esteemed reputation among commercial and personal effects customers throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Other strategic alliances afford JTS an enviable global reach.

The company is planning to celebrate their milestone with special events to honour their clients and their dedicated staff.