Why did Trailer Bridge make this CEO change at this time?

The appointment comes as Trailer Bridge shifts its strategic focus exclusively to ocean transportation following the 2025 sale of its domestic logistics division. Gittens' specific expertise in Caribbean shipping operations positions him to lead this streamlined business model and capitalize on the company's strong position in Puerto Rico trade routes.

What operational changes should shippers expect from this leadership transition?

Trailer Bridge is actively investing in fleet modernization, including $9 million in improvements to roll-on/roll-off barges with new onboard generators for expanded refrigerated capacity and enhanced monitoring technology. Shippers should anticipate improved service reliability and expanded cold-chain capabilities, though core route structures are not expected to change significantly.

How does Gittens' background prepare him for this role?

Gittens previously served as president of trade for King Ocean Services overseeing Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Eastern Caribbean operations. At Seacor Island Lines, he drove 115% revenue growth while expanding services and improving operational efficiency, demonstrating both commercial acumen and operational execution in exactly the geographic markets Trailer Bridge serves.

What is Trailer Bridge's geographic focus under new leadership?

Trailer Bridge concentrates on Puerto Rico trade with roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off barge services. The company carries containers, vehicles, heavy equipment, oversized freight, and breakbulk shipments. This is a defined Jones Act market with limited competition, making strong operational execution critical to market leadership.

How do these changes affect service continuity for existing customers?

The company emphasizes business continuity, noting that the existing team remains intact and has 'an excellent reputation for customer service.' The new CEO has stated his commitment to working with customers and partners to support continued business growth, suggesting no disruption to established service levels or routes.

Shipping & Freight

Moderate

Trailer Bridge Appoints New CEO to Lead Caribbean Shipping Focus

Oct 29, 2026

Get tomorrow's supply chain signal

Daily supply-chain brief. Free, unsubscribe anytime.

The signal

Trailer Bridge has appointed Charles Gittens as chief executive officer, effective November 2, 2024, replacing Mitch Luciano who served in the role since 2015. Gittens brings over 30 years of transportation and logistics experience, including recent leadership at King Ocean Services overseeing Caribbean operations across multiple island regions. His appointment signals Trailer Bridge's strategic focus on its core ocean transportation business following the sale of its domestic logistics division in 2025.

The leadership transition coincides with significant operational investments by Trailer Bridge, including over $9 million in fleet upgrades focused on roll-on/roll-off barge improvements, expanded refrigerated cargo capacity, and enhanced monitoring technology. The company is also establishing long-term partnerships for terminal and tug services to support its Puerto Rico trade lane operations. Gittens' background in expanding revenue by 115% at Seacor Island Lines suggests the company is positioning for growth and operational optimization in the Caribbean shipping market.

For supply chain professionals, this appointment underscores the importance of specialized regional expertise in niche ocean freight markets. The combination of leadership continuity, capital investment in aging fleet assets, and strategic partnerships indicates Trailer Bridge is building operational resilience within a focused geographic market rather than pursuing broad-based expansion.

#ceo-appointment

#ocean-freight

#puerto-rico-shipping

#ro-ro-services

#caribbean-trade

#supply-chain-leadership

#fleet-modernization

#trailer-bridge