CaribTrans NV
Caribbean freight forwarding headquarters with 35+ years of ocean, air, and vehicle shipping.
Why Go
CaribTrans NV is not just a St. Maarten branch office — it is the Caribbean headquarters of a freight forwarding operation that has been connecting the islands to the US and beyond for over 35 years. The Grounddove Road location at Pointe Blanche serves as the nerve center for a logistics network that handles everything from a single box of personal items to full container commercial shipments.
The Experience
CaribTrans positions itself as a premier NVOCC/NAOCC freight forwarder, industry terminology that translates to a company operating its own bill of lading on carrier vessels without owning the ships themselves. The practical benefit: CaribTrans negotiates rates and space across multiple shipping lines, giving clients access to competitive pricing and flexible scheduling. The service menu covers ocean freight (LCL and FCL), air freight consolidations, vehicle shipping, overland transport, cargo insurance, and real-time tracking. The real-time tracking capability is worth highlighting — on an island where cargo status can feel like a mystery between departure and arrival, knowing exactly where your shipment sits eliminates the anxiety. A large staff of professionals both stateside and on-island handle paperwork, customs documentation, and the coordination that moves cargo from US warehouse to St. Maarten doorstep. For online shoppers, CaribTrans provides a channel for personal items purchased from US retailers that do not ship directly to the Caribbean.
What to Try
Use real-time tracking for peace of mind on important shipments. Vehicle shipping has specific documentation — ask about the process before purchasing stateside. LCL consolidation suits individuals and small businesses shipping from the US regularly.
Insider Tip
CaribTrans's 35-year Caribbean presence means established customs relationships and process knowledge that newer forwarders lack. For complex shipments (vehicles, oversized cargo, regulated goods), this experience translates to fewer delays and surprises.
The Practical Stuff
Located at 8 Grounddove Road, Pointe Blanche. Premium pricing ($$$). Caribbean HQ. Services: ocean/air freight, LCL/FCL, vehicle shipping, cargo insurance, real-time tracking, customs clearance. 35+ years in Caribbean freight.
Pair It With
- Curacao Trading Company (SXM) dba King Ocean Guide — Alternative Pointe Blanche ocean freight provider with weekly Miami sailings
- Cavalier Logistics Guide — European-origin freight specialist for Netherlands shipments