Caribbean Logistics
Market Research
Primary freight, distribution, and supply chain intelligence across 20+ Caribbean territories. Where published data ends, HRG fieldwork begins.
Caribbean Logistics Market Size by Segment
The Caribbean freight and logistics market reached an estimated USD 4.2 billion in 2025, driven by import-dependent island economies, post-pandemic supply chain restructuring, and growing e-commerce penetration across the region. The market is projected to grow at 5.1% CAGR through 2028.
| Segment | Market Size | Market Share | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight & Port Services | USD 2.86B | 68% | +4.8% CAGR |
| Air Cargo | USD 756M | 18% | +6.2% CAGR |
| Last-Mile & Domestic Distribution | USD 588M | 14% | +7.1% CAGR |
| Cold Chain & Perishables | USD 210M | 5% | +8.4% CAGR |
Sources: HRG estimates, Caribbean Development Bank, ECLAC, national port authority data. Figures for 2025.
Why Caribbean Logistics Data Is Hard to Find
The Caribbean lacks the syndicated logistics databases available in North America and Europe. Port authorities publish limited data. National statistics offices rarely track inter-island freight. No single registry captures the universe of distributors and logistics operators across 20+ small island states.
Companies entering Caribbean markets or optimizing existing supply chains typically face two choices: commission primary research, or fly blind. HRG has been conducting primary logistics and distribution research across the Caribbean since 1985, building the proprietary network of field contacts, distributor relationships, and port-level access that no desk research can replicate.
No published distributor registry
Caribbean distributor databases do not exist in any standardized public form. HRG maintains a proprietary contact database built through decades of fieldwork.
Port data is fragmented
Each island nation publishes different port statistics at different frequencies, and many stop at the container level, missing the inland distribution picture.
Informal distribution is significant
In Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad, and Haiti, a substantial share of goods move through informal distribution channels invisible to any official dataset.
Get a Free Caribbean Logistics Research Assessment
Tell us your distribution challenge. We will assess whether primary research is the right tool, suggest the right methodology, and give you a ballpark cost range — at no charge.
Research Services
Distribution Channel Mapping
Identify every link in the distribution chain from importer to retailer across one or more islands. Understand who holds exclusive arrangements, margin structures, and geographic coverage.
Freight Corridor Analysis
Primary research on inter-island freight flows: volumes, carriers, transit times, cost per unit, and chokepoints. Essential for companies entering the Caribbean or rationalizing existing supply chains.
Port & Terminal Studies
Dwell time analysis, handling efficiency benchmarks, storage cost comparisons, and operator satisfaction research across major Caribbean ports and transhipment hubs.
FMCG Distributor Landscape
Comprehensive mapping of FMCG distributors by island: brand portfolio, sales force size, cold chain capability, route coverage, and financial health indicators.
Last-Mile Delivery Research
Consumer and retailer perceptions of delivery performance, unmet demand for e-commerce fulfilment, and last-mile infrastructure gaps across urban and rural Caribbean markets.
Cold Chain Capability Assessment
On-the-ground assessment of refrigerated transport, cold storage capacity, and temperature break risks across the distribution chain for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical clients.
Market Complexity by Territory
| Market | Regional Role | Logistics Strength | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinidad & Tobago | Regional hub | FMCG & industrial distribution | Dual-island logistics, Tobago ferry dependency |
| Jamaica | Largest single market | Kingston Port, established domestic fleet | Rural last-mile in parishes beyond Kingston |
| Guyana | Fastest growing | New investment in Georgetown port and roads | Interior access, river-dependent communities |
| Barbados | Eastern Caribbean gateway | Bridgetown transhipment hub | High cost base, small domestic market |
| Dominican Republic | Largest by volume | Multiple ports, developed road network | Informal distribution channels, border trade |
| OECS (6 islands) | Transhipment dependent | CARICOM free movement of goods | Small volumes, high per-unit freight cost |
Who Commissions Caribbean Logistics Research
FMCG companies
Mapping distributor networks before or after entering a new island market, identifying gaps in coverage.
Private equity & investors
Due diligence on Caribbean logistics and distribution businesses, market sizing for investment decisions.
Global 3PLs & freight forwarders
Understanding competitive landscape, freight pricing benchmarks, and operator capability before entering Caribbean lanes.
Port authorities & development banks
Throughput demand studies, user satisfaction research, and competitive positioning of Caribbean port infrastructure.
Pharmaceutical companies
Cold chain capability assessments, distributor qualification research, and regulatory compliance across island markets.
E-commerce and retail companies
Last-mile delivery landscape assessment, consumer expectations for delivery performance, and fulfilment gap analysis.
Caribbean Logistics Research: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of the Caribbean logistics and freight market?
The Caribbean freight and logistics market is estimated at USD 4.2 billion annually, driven by import-dependent island economies, growing e-commerce penetration, and increasing intra-regional trade under CARICOM. Key segments include sea freight (68%), air cargo (18%), and last-mile distribution (14%). Growth is projected at 5.1% CAGR through 2028 as supply chains modernize post-pandemic.
What types of logistics research does HRG conduct in the Caribbean?
HRG conducts distribution channel mapping (identifying who stocks and moves products across islands), port throughput and dwell time studies, freight corridor analysis, last-mile delivery performance research, cold chain capability assessments, and FMCG distributor landscape studies. We collect primary data across 20+ territories where published secondary sources are unavailable or unreliable.
Which Caribbean markets have the most complex logistics environments?
Trinidad and Tobago is the regional hub for many FMCG and industrial distributors. Jamaica has the most developed domestic logistics infrastructure. Guyana is experiencing rapid logistics investment tied to oil sector growth. The Eastern Caribbean (OECS) presents significant complexity due to small island economies requiring transhipment from Barbados or Trinidad. Haiti and Suriname face the most constrained logistics environments.
Can HRG identify distributors and logistics operators across Caribbean islands?
Yes. HRG maintains a proprietary database of distributors, wholesalers, and logistics operators across the Caribbean built through 40+ years of fieldwork. We can map the full distribution chain for a product category within 4 to 6 weeks, identifying key players, exclusive arrangements, pricing margins, and geographic coverage gaps.
How does HRG collect primary logistics data across the Caribbean?
We use a combination of B2B interviews with logistics operators and buyers, observation at port facilities and distribution centers, shopper and retail audits to trace product availability downstream, and desk research of available port authority data. Our network of local field teams across 20+ territories enables simultaneous multi-market data collection.
What is the typical cost of a Caribbean logistics research study?
A single-market distribution channel study typically ranges from USD 8,000 to USD 18,000 depending on scope and number of operators interviewed. Multi-market corridor studies (e.g., Trinidad to Eastern Caribbean) typically range from USD 22,000 to USD 45,000. HRG provides fixed-price proposals within 5 business days of receiving a research brief.
Caribbean Distribution Channel Study Template
Download our standard distribution mapping framework: data collection instruments, distributor interview guide, channel mapping worksheet, and reporting template. Used by FMCG, pharma, and consumer goods companies entering Caribbean markets.