Unilever Caribbean Ltd (UCL) has recently approved a significant transformation in its distribution strategy by adopting a new route-to-market structure. This move involves outsourcing its distribution, warehousing, and logistics services to third-party partners, marking a pivotal shift aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and focusing on core business competencies.

Rationale Behind the Shift

The decision to outsource logistics functions is driven by multiple strategic considerations:

• Cost Optimization: Outsourcing allows companies to reduce operational costs associated with maintaining in-house logistics infrastructure.

• Focus on Core Competencies: By delegating logistics to specialized providers, companies like UCL can concentrate on areas such as customer acquisition, experience, and retention, which are critical for revenue growth.

• Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability: Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) offer scalable solutions that can adapt to changing market demands, providing greater flexibility in operations.

These factors collectively contribute to a more agile and responsive supply chain, better equipped to meet the dynamic needs of the market.

Regional Trends in Logistics Outsourcing

UCL’s strategic move reflects a broader trend among Caribbean manufacturers and distributors. Companies like Nestlé Jamaica have similarly outsourced their logistics operations to focus on core business areas. This regional shift is influenced by the desire to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and leverage the expertise of specialized logistics providers

Jamaica’s strategic location and ongoing investments in logistics infrastructure further support this trend. The country’s Logistics Hub Initiative aims to position Jamaica as a global logistics hub, enhancing its appeal to companies seeking efficient distribution channels.

Global Perspective on Logistics Outsourcing

Globally, the logistics outsourcing market is experiencing significant growth. The market is projected to reach USD 2,153.7 billion by 2035, driven by factors such as globalization, e-commerce expansion, and the need for advanced supply chain solutions. Companies are increasingly turning to 3PLs to access cutting-edge technologies, improve service levels, and achieve cost efficiencies.

Outsourcing logistics functions allows businesses to benefit from the specialized capabilities of 3PLs, including real-time tracking, inventory management, and advanced analytics. This strategic approach enables companies to respond more effectively to market changes and customer expectations.

Conclusion

Unilever Caribbean’s adoption of an outsourced logistics model signifies a strategic alignment with both regional and global trends aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and focusing on core business functions. By leveraging the expertise of third-party logistics providers, UCL positions itself to better navigate the complexities of the modern supply chain landscape, ultimately aiming to deliver greater value to its customers and stakeholders.

An investment of $420 million is being made by Jamaica’s largest independent power supplier, InterEnergy Group, for the development of the second compressed natural gas (CNG) facility, at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC’s) Spanish Town depot.

The disclosure was made by Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT), Hon. Daryl Vaz, during a press briefing at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston, on Thursday (May 22).

“This facility will be able to fuel 202 CNG buses per day. Added to the [existing facility at the] Spanish Town depot, that is a total of 397 CNG buses per day,” the Minister outlined.

Mr. Vaz pointed out that the JUTC’s CNG fleet currently has 127 buses, while another 100 are set to arrive in the island within weeks.

“When the InterEnergy facility is completed, we will not only have the capacity to fuel the 227 CNG buses in the fleet but we will also have the capacity to fuel 75 per cent above the demand that will exist for the JUTC with the CNG,” the Transport Minister maintained.

He noted that the InterEnergy facility is expected to be completed between August and September of this year.

“The [new CNG] buses will get here by the middle to the end of June. That is down time. School is off, and we will be in a better position to start back-to-school, not only with the buses being fuelled in Portmore but the new facility in Spanish Town,” he outlined.

Meanwhile, the Minister indicated that the Government has received a proposal from Xcelerate Energy, which has indicated that it is prepared to fund and build out Phase 3 of the Portmore CNG fuel plant, taking the facility’s capacity up to 195 buses per day.

The Government’s investment in CNG buses is expected to further improve operational efficiencies at the JUTC, while leading to significant savings.

By: DONIQUE WESTON JIS

Photo: Donique Weston

In a strategic move to enhance affordability and sustainability, Uber has unveiled “Route Share,” its latest shared ride option. Launched during the company’s annual “Go-Get” event in New York, Route Share is currently available on busy weekday routes in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, with plans to expand to additional markets.

Key Features of Route Share:
Fixed Routes: Route Share operates on specific, high-demand corridors during weekday morning and evening rush hours (6-10 a.m. and 4-8 p.m.).
Scheduled Pickups: Pickups occur every 20 minutes, making it predictable for commuters.
Shared Rides: Riders share a vehicle with up to two other passengers, reducing costs.
Affordable Pricing: Fares are designed to be up to 50% cheaper than UberX.
Convenient Booking: Riders can book a seat up to seven days in advance or as little as 10 minutes before departure.
Initial Availability: Route Share is initially available in several major US cities, including New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

Understanding Route Share
Route Share is designed to provide Uber’s most budget-friendly ride option by allowing passengers traveling in similar directions to share a ride. This service aims to reduce costs for riders while promoting efficient vehicle usage and lowering emissions. Unlike its predecessor, Uber Pool, Route Share focuses on streamlining the shared ride experience by limiting the number of co-riders and optimizing routes to minimize detours.

Rationale Behind the Launch
The introduction of Route Share aligns with Uber’s broader strategy to cater to price-sensitive consumers amid economic uncertainties. By offering more affordable transportation options, Uber aims to maintain and grow its user base. Additionally, Route Share supports Uber’s commitment to sustainability by encouraging shared rides, which can lead to fewer vehicles on the road and reduced carbon emissions.

Initial Market Feedback
Early reactions to Route Share have been mixed. Some passengers appreciate the cost savings and the opportunity to contribute to environmental efforts. However, drivers have expressed concerns about the potential for increased complexity and reduced earnings associated with shared rides. Past experiences with similar services, like Uber Pool, have left some drivers wary of the challenges posed by coordinating multiple pickups and drop-offs.

Comparison with UberX Share and Competitor Services
Route Share is part of Uber’s suite of shared ride options, which includes UberX Share. While both services aim to offer affordable rides through carpooling, Route Share is specifically tailored for high-demand routes during peak weekday hours. In contrast, UberX Share is available more broadly and allows for dynamic matching of riders throughout the day.

Lyft, Uber’s primary competitor, has had a varied approach to shared rides. The company previously offered Lyft Line and later Lyft Shared, but these services have seen fluctuations in availability and popularity. Lyft has faced challenges in maintaining consistent shared ride offerings, partly due to driver dissatisfaction and operational complexities.

Looking Ahead
Uber’s launch of Route Share represents a renewed commitment to shared mobility solutions that balance affordability, efficiency, and sustainability. As the company gathers more data and feedback from both riders and drivers, adjustments to the service are likely to ensure it meets the needs of all stakeholders. The success of Route Share will depend on Uber’s ability to address the logistical challenges of shared rides while delivering a positive experience for users.

For riders seeking cost-effective transportation options and willing to share their journey with others, Route Share offers a promising alternative. As urban areas continue to grapple with traffic congestion and environmental concerns, services like Route Share could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility.

Knutsford Express Services Limited (KEX) has released its unaudited financial statements for the third quarter ended February 28, 2025, revealing a nuanced financial landscape. While the company experienced a modest revenue uptick, net profits have seen a significant decline, prompting strategic shifts in operations and investments.​

Financial Performance Overview

For the third quarter, KEX reported revenues of J$593 million, marking a 4.8% increase from J$566 million in the same period last year. Over the nine-month period, revenues rose by 7.3%, reaching J$1.643 billion compared to J$1.531 billion previously.

Despite these gains, net profit for the quarter plummeted by 54.9% to J$49 million, down from J$111 million in 2024. The nine-month net profit also declined by 36.8%, settling at J$170 million from J$269 million in the comparative period.​

The company attributes the profit downturn to lingering effects of subdued passenger arrival numbers in Jamaica. Additionally, increased administrative expenses, particularly in staff costs, have impacted profitability. In the first quarter of 2025, administrative expenses rose to J$520 million, affecting net profits despite a revenue increase to J$592 million.

Strategic Investments and Operational Enhancements

In response to these challenges, KEX is investing heavily in fleet expansion and digital transformation. The company plans to inject J$500 million over the next three years to upgrade its bus fleet and implement advanced digital systems . This includes the introduction of airport-style departure gateways and digital ticket-checking kiosks, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience.​

The Drax Hall depot in St. Ann has become a focal point for these innovations, serving as a prototype for the new passenger processing model. CEO Oliver Townsend emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “We’re redoubling our investments and efforts on the core business and on initiatives that will improve our customer’s satisfaction”

Service Portfolio Adjustments

KEX is also refining its service offerings to align with market demands. The company announced the discontinuation of its international shipping and e-commerce service effective October 7, 2024, due to a 10% decline in revenue from overseas courier services . This strategic move allows KEX to focus on its core transportation and local courier services, which continue to be significant revenue streams.

Outlook

Despite current profitability challenges, KEX maintains a strong asset base, which grew by over 10.7% in the third quarter, reaching J$2.113 billion from J$1.926 billion the previous year. The company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction positions it for potential recovery and growth as market conditions improve.​

Conclusion

Knutsford Express is navigating a complex financial environment with strategic investments in infrastructure and technology. By focusing on core services and operational excellence, the company aims to bolster its market position and return to robust profitability in the coming periods.

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Caption: Participants receiving hands-on training in electric vehicle maintenance and repair during an EV Training Programme facilitated by GSI SKN.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, 7^th April 2025 – CARILEC, the leading association for electric utilities in the Caribbean, has partnered with Green Solutions International SKN Inc (GSI SKN) to deliver a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Programme in St. Kitts from June 23 to July 4. This comprehensive training aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to work safely and effectively with electric and hybrid vehicles.

GSI SKN, a leading NGO driving clean energy growth and sustainability across the Caribbean, offers EV certifications from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in the UK and Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) in Germany. The organisation partners with the IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, holds accreditation with the UNFCCC, and is the exclusive regional partner for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). With a strong track record in renewable energy and e-mobility, GSI SKN has successfully delivered consulting, training, and certification projects across the Caribbean, including in Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, Bermuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

Dr Wayne Archibald, Executive Director at GSI SKN, will also contribute his expertise as a featured speaker at the upcoming Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) 9^th Annual Growth and Resilience Dialogue, taking place from April 10 to 11, 2025. His participation reflects the regional recognition of GSI SKN’s leadership in clean energy and sustainable mobility.

Accelerating the Caribbean’s Shift to Electric Vehicles

The Caribbean region is increasingly adopting electric vehicles (EVs), driven by government incentives, environmental concerns, and economic opportunities. Barbados leads in per capita EV usage in the region, with over 600 EVs on the road and more than 100 charging stations (2023). Jamaica has also made significant strides, setting a goal to have 10% of its transportation powered by EVs by 2030 and introducing electric buses into its public transit system. These efforts align with regional strategies, such as the CARICOM Regional Electric Vehicle Strategy (REVS), which aims to transform transportation systems and promote sustainable mobility across the Caribbean. St. Kitts and Nevis is also advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption through a government-led initiative focused on EV maintenance training and policies to promote sustainability. The island’s compact size makes EVs an ideal solution for local transportation, with several EV charging stations already installed to support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

Preparing the Caribbean for the EV Revolution

This training is a vital step toward ensuring that regional professionals are equipped with the necessary technical and safety skills to handle EV systems. As governments and private sector entities increase their investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, trained specialists will be essential to maintaining and expanding this rapidly growing industry.

Dr Archibald, Executive Director at GSI SKN and a key advocate for green energy and sustainable development in the Caribbean, emphasised the significance of this training: “The adoption of electric vehicle technology is a crucial component of the Caribbean’s transition to a sustainable energy future. By providing professionals with hands-on training and internationally recognised certifications, we are not only advancing technical expertise but also fostering a culture of innovation and resilience in the region.”

World-Class EV Training for the Caribbean

The EV Training Programme is certified by IMI and TÜV, ensuring world-class accreditation and technical proficiency. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in EV maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, with courses designed to cater to a broad spectrum of professionals, including auto technicians, fleet operators, engineers, compliance officers, and safety professionals. Participants will benefit from the IMI certification, which ensures that auto professionals receive industry-standard training, and the TÜV certification, recognised globally for safety and compliance in engineering.

Participant Testimonials

Past participants have found the training to be highly relevant and beneficial. Devlin Connor, Vehicle Superintendent with the Government of Anguilla’s Vehicles Department, shared his experience:

“This training course was incredibly valuable and came at a critical time, as electric vehicles represent the future of transportation. It was essential for us to have the opportunity to attend, gain insights, and receive hands-on training in EV operation and safety practices. This knowledge will enable us to be better prepared to manage the challenges and opportunities that arise from the adoption of EVs.”

Vince Archibald, Technician, Automotive Division, Clarence Fiztroy Bryant College, reflected on the significance of the training: “This training was an eye-opening experience, providing hands-on expertise and a deeper understanding of EV technology. The programme was not only highly beneficial but also innovative, equipping us with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. As the automotive industry transitions to greener technologies, this kind of specialised training is essential for keeping professionals ahead of the curve.”

Expert-Led Training

The training will be facilitated by Andy Latham, a globally recognised expert in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, with an extensive career spanning senior management roles in the automotive sector. As a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry (FIMI) and an Incorporated Engineer with the Engineering Council UK, Latham will provide participants with a world-class learning experience.

How to Register

Contact training@carilec.org or slprimus@carilec.org, provide your organisation’s name, the number of participants and contact details. For further inquiries, call +1 (758) 717 9577.