UTI - Unsworth Transport International
UTI - Unsworth Transport International is a United States-based freight forwarder with a long-standing history dating back to its establishment in 1947 by Colin E. Unsworth, Jr. Over the decades, the company expanded its operations beyond the United States, developing an international footprint that includes European and Middle Eastern activities and a global network of partners.
The company’s timeline highlights a pattern of growth through strategic offices and collaborations. Notably, a branch office and terminal were opened in Rotterdam in 1961 to extend services into Europe, followed by another terminal adjacent to JFK Airport in 1965 to strengthen North American air and ocean logistics capabilities. In 1983, UTi began NVOCC operations, signaling an expansion into consolidated ocean services and more integrated supply chain solutions.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, UTi forged multiple partnerships and joint ventures to broaden its service scope. A joint venture with Translink in Dublin (1987) aimed to provide sea and air groupage services to Ireland, while a collaboration with International Cargo Control (ICC) in Australia (1988) expanded regional presence. The Rotterdam operation underwent restructuring in 1991 to form a broader European service platform with partners and multiple leadership additions.
The company continued to invest in infrastructure and service capabilities, including the inauguration of a consolidated container/air service in Beirut (1992) and the acquisition of a larger Rotterdam facility in 1998 to support rising traffic. In the mid-1990s, leadership and organizational changes helped position UTi for continued growth, including the formation of Unsworth Industrial Products (UIP) in 1996 to assist foreign clients with product sourcing and related services.
Key milestones also included obtaining a TIR certification for ocean container repair kits (1999), recognition by industry bodies such as the Freight Club (2000), and the introduction of Domestic Container Transport and Cargo Inspection services (2000). In 2001, UTi’s U.S. corporation underwent restructuring to streamline governance and operations, followed by agency agreements with Britannia Cargo Services (2002) and Overseas Clearing Cargo (I) Pvt. Ltd. (2003), underscoring a continued emphasis on expanding international reach and partnerships.
Today, UTi - Unsworth Transport International maintains a diversified service profile rooted in traditional freight forwarding, enhanced by intermodal capabilities and an emphasis on international distribution. The company’s historical growth through European and global collaborations reflects a commitment to delivering comprehensive logistics solutions spanning air and ocean freight, as well as related supply chain services such as warehousing and distribution centers.
As a long-established forwarder, UTi’s legacy combines legacy partnerships, regional hubs, and a network-driven approach designed to service international trade requirements for a broad range of clients across multiple industries.
