Shipping for Business in Barbados: What You Need to Know Before You Book a Courier

DHL is the global leader in international logistics, operating in over 220 countries and territories and consistently ranked among the top international express carriers by volume and reliability. In Barbados, DHL operates two service points staffed by what the company designates as Certified International Specialists.

Public reviews of both Barbados locations are consistently strong, with multiple verified reviewers citing individual staff members by name. The Bridgetown branch in particular has received significant praise, with one verified reviewer describing their experience as a six-star experience and noting that the service representative restored their faith in quality customer service.

FedEx Express is one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, providing delivery to every US address and to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, typically within one to two business days with guaranteed delivery times.

In Barbados, FedEx operates through a primary ship centre in Bridgetown and an additional location at Sheraton Mall in Christ Church. FedEx offers tailored solutions for both importing and exporting businesses, covering time-sensitive expedited delivery through to larger pallet-sized shipments.

UPS is a global logistics operation of significant scale. Globally it handles an average of 21.1 million packages per day across more than 220 countries and territories. Its global infrastructure and technology are not in question.

The Barbados operation, however, requires a more careful assessment. UPS Barbados is operated through Caribbean Aircraft Handling, located at Unit 1, Stanley Centre, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael. This is a structurally important distinction. Unlike DHL and FedEx which operate their Barbados locations directly or through tightly managed partner networks, UPS Barbados functions through a local agent arrangement. That additional layer between global brand standards and on-the-ground customer experience is a known risk factor in how international couriers operate in small island markets.

In the interest of fairness, UPS does offer an escalation pathway for unresolved complaints. If the local Barbados number goes unanswered, the following escalation contacts are available.

The bottom line: if your shipment is time-sensitive, high value, or your business relationship depends on reliable delivery, the documented evidence does not support choosing UPS as your primary carrier in Barbados. If UPS is imposed on you by a sender or supplier, request a carrier change in writing before the shipment is booked. If that is not possible, document everything from the moment of confirmation and escalate to the Miami regional office at the first sign of delay. Do not wait.