Kestrel Liner Agencies Limited

Kestrel is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission as both a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), also known as a forwarding agent, and an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI). We pride ourselves on our unique ability to handle all forms of cargo and all aspects of our customers' shipments. Although our core business entails the management of containerised loads, both Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) we distinguish ourselves by also offering out of gauge and breakbulk cargo shipping. We provide bespoke logistical solutions to enable shipments to the Caribbean and Latin America from all over the world, as well as offering global importation services into the Southeastern United States.

Our commitment to the highest possible standard of service means we have forged excellent alliances with like-minded companies, representing liner agencies such as Tropical Shipping and South American Independent Line. We also act as LCL agents for Great White Fleet and in January 2017 were appointed USA, Africa and European General Agent for Carpenters Shipping. We utilise these alliances to offer you the best destination connections for your shipping needs.

As of 2017, Kestrel employ in excess of 150 people and are growing tremendously with group turnover of usd 70 million and heading for 100 million.

KESTREL - OUR HISTORY

Andy Thorne, Kestrel's owner and chairman, and Mark Pattison started working together in 1992. At the time, they worked at Quadrant Shipping (a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Maritime), representing Compañía Chilena de Navegación Interoceánica (CCNI), a shipping company based in Chile. Prior to this, Andy and Mark worked in sales and operations, respectively, for the CP Group, a global logistics service provider based in the Netherlands. Both therefore had extensive experience utilising a global industrial network before Kestrel even began. In 1993, CCNI decided to move their agency from Quadrant to Johnson Stevens Limited, an agency based in Felixstowe. Johnson Stevens Limited formed in 1976, during the peak of industry transition from standard vessels to the container ships you now see today. When CCNI moved, Andy and Mark decided to move with them.

Mark and Andy's extensive experience in the shipping industry meant they had developed an eye for lucrative opportunities, without which Kestrel would not be the agency it is today. In February 1994, Ecuadorian Line announced commencement of a service operating between Europe and South America, and after weeks of negotiation, the pair began to represent this service. This was the official start of Kestrel Ltd, and to this day South America remains a pivotal market for our service operations. On Andy's 30th birthday, 30th April 1994, Kestrel's first office opened in Barking, moving to Epping in the following November, and finally to Basildon in 1997. Twenty years on Kestrel now has UK offices and agents in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Felixstowe, London, Manchester, North Weald and Rainham.

Our sister company opened in Miami in early 2003. With Miami being the optimal U.S. gateway to South America, our 100,000 sq. ft. bonded warehouse is strategically placed to augment our services in the Caribbean and Latin America. Our Miami office is managed by Steve Keats, who joined Kestrel after a 19-year career with Tropical Shipping, a liner agency represented by Kestrel and a market leader in shipping to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

In 2010, Kestrel was honoured to be nominated in the National Business Awards, as a finalist in the ICAEW Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Award. It was truly rewarding, after years of dedicated service, to be recognised amongst some of the most prestigious companies in the Britain for our commitment to innovation and ethical business practice. We were shocked and delighted to receive even further recognition that same year, with Kestrel being named in her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II birthday honours list. Seven years later this remains a personal and professional highlight.

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