
Killick Martin & Company has a rich history dating back to 1865. They were founded by Captain Francis Killick and William Martin.
The company started as a ship repair and building business, with their first ship repair yard opening in 1865. They have since expanded their services to include ship design and naval architecture.
Killick Martin & Company has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services to the shipping and naval industries.
A unique perspective: East India Trading Company Ship
Services and Operations
Killick Martin & Company Ltd has been providing ocean freight, air freight, road freight, customs clearance, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management services for over a century.
Their services extend to various industries, including fast-moving consumer goods, furniture, industrial goods, homewares, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and foodstuffs, both ambient and temperature controlled.
The company has a strong focus on IT-based services, which is key to their business success.
With a history dating back to 1921, Killick Martin & Company commenced freight forwarding services, and they continued to offer these services even after World War II.
Broaden your view: Freight Forwarding Companies to Canada

In 1996, the company was restructured into four separate operating companies, with one of them, KM International Ltd, taking control of all freight forwarding activities.
Today, Killick Martin & Company is a leading provider of freight forwarding and supply chain management services, with over 150 years of experience.
Their dedicated employees, combined with market-leading IT systems, provide unique solutions that give their customers a competitive advantage within their industries.
Ship Broking (1861–1999)
Ship broking has a rich history that dates back to 1861, when Killick Martin & Company first advertised the Tung Yu in The Times on May 30th of that year.
The firm was one of the leading shipbroking companies of the 1860s and 1870s, operating alongside Robertson & Company and Shaw Lowther & Maxton.
Killick Martin & Company Ltd continued to trade on the Baltic Exchange for the next 100 years, but they ceased active trading in 1975.
In 1985, the company acquired Wallace Shipping Chartering Ltd, a Baltic Exchange broking firm that was then renamed Killick Martin Chartering Ltd.
The firm was eventually sold to Howe Robinson Group.
You might enjoy: St Martin Bareboat Yacht Charter
Tea Trade (1865-1879)

During the tea trade period of 1865-1879, Killick Martin & Company was a major player, thanks to their experienced founder James Killick, a seasoned sea captain who had completed numerous voyages with tea from China.
In 1864, Killick Martin made their first passage with a sailing ship, the Heversham, carrying tea from Shanghai to New York.
Their fleet expanded rapidly, and by 1866, Killick Martin had entered the tea trade to London, with vessels like Challenger, Fusi Yama, and Yang-tsze completing voyages as part of the Great Tea Race.
The company's fleet continued to grow, with three or four ships loading tea each season, and by 1878-79, they had completed 36 passages with tea cargoes from various ports.
Killick Martin were not only ship owners but also brokers for many other vessels, including the Eleanor, Kawagawa, and Yokohama, as listed in Lloyd's List on November 18, 1869.
The opening of the Suez Canal and improvements in steamers' reliability and speed led to a shift in the tea trade, with steamers taking over from sailing vessels by the 1878-79 season.
Trade Routes (1878–1886)

Killick Martin & Company's trade routes underwent significant changes between 1878 and 1886. The company's involvement in the Tea Trade to London ended in 1878, marking a shift towards carrying outward cargoes to China and Japan.
Manila in the Philippines became a preferred loading port for homeward-bound cargoes during this period. This change in trade patterns allowed for more opportunities for cargoes from Java in Indonesia and the US West Coast.
Improving telegraphy enabled Killick Martin & Company to send instructions from their London head office to ships, directing them to cargoes and altering traditional trade patterns. This technological advancement greatly impacted the company's operations.
The Agnes Muir & Lucia primarily traded between Europe and Hong Kong, while the Kaisow & Wylo sailed Eastbound to Chinese ports and Southbound to Australia. In later years, both ships loaded for San Francisco on their return voyages.
Services
Killick Martin & Company Ltd provides a wide range of services to its clients, with a focus on IT-based solutions.

Their services include ocean freight, air freight, road freight, customs clearance, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management.
They also offer integrated logistics, including 4PL management, supplier and inventory management.
Their services cater to various industries, such as fast-moving consumer goods, furniture, industrial goods, homewares, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and foodstuffs.
They have been providing freight forwarding services since 1921, initially organized into three areas of activity: liner agency for Ben Line, liner agency for Holt/Blue Funnel Line, and a freight forwarding division.
Unfortunately, their early records were lost in a bombing in 1941, making it difficult to know the specifics of their freight forwarding activities during that time.
After World War II, they continued to offer freight forwarding services, but their liner agency business became a key focus.
In 1996, Killick Martin & Company Ltd was restructured into four separate operating companies to address declining liner agency business.
One of these companies, KM International Ltd, took control of all freight forwarding activities.
A fresh viewpoint: Business Plans for Trucking Companies
Liner Agencies (1864–1999)

Killick Martin & Company's liner agency services date back to 1864, when they started loading ships with cargoes for trade routes. They played a significant role in the Tea Trade to London until 1878.
The firm's liner agencies operated on various trade routes, including East and Westbound between Europe and Hong Kong. The Agnes Muir & Lucia traded on this route.
Killick Martin & Company's liner agencies also operated on routes between Europe and China, with ships like the Kaisow & Wylo calling at various Chinese ports and Southbound to Australia. In later years, both ships loaded for San Francisco on their return voyages.
The company's liner agencies were selected by the Chinese Government Purchasing Commission in 1931 to handle shipments to China. Some of the money used by the commission was invested in the construction of the Canton to Hankow Railway.
Killick Martin & Company's liner agencies continued to operate until 1999, when the company was sold.
About the Company

Killick Martin & Company has been providing freight forwarding and supply chain management services for over 150 years.
Their dedicated employees, with their extensive experience and professionalism, play a crucial role in the company's success.
The company's market-leading IT systems work hand-in-hand with their employees to deliver unique, first-class solutions to their customers.
Killick Martin & Company offers a diverse range of global services, including air, ocean, road, supply chain, customs, warehousing, and e-commerce services.
Their extensive network of owned offices and carefully selected agency partners enables them to cater to a variety of different industries.
Their goal is to give their customers a competitive advantage within their industries through their innovative solutions.
Contact and Careers
If you're interested in getting in touch with Killick Martin & Company, you can reach out to them through their website.
Their office is located in the heart of the city, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
For career opportunities, check their website for job openings and application instructions.
Killick Martin & Company is always looking for talented and experienced professionals to join their team.
Email Formats

Email formats can be quite varied, but most companies stick to a standard format.
The most common email format is the Business Email Format, which includes a formal greeting, a clear subject line, and a concise message.
In a typical Business Email Format, the sender's name and title are included in the email signature.
The In-Memory Email Format is more casual and often used for internal communication, with a focus on brevity and clarity.
The In-Memory Email Format usually omits the formal greeting and instead starts with a brief introduction or topic.
The Reverse Chronological Email Format lists the most recent emails first, making it easy to follow a conversation.
This format is commonly used in customer service and support emails, where the conversation can be lengthy.
Related reading: Trucking Companies Going Out of Business 2024
Jobs at Ltd
If you're interested in joining our team, we have a range of job opportunities available at Ltd.
We're a dynamic and growing company with a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

Our job openings vary from entry-level positions to senior management roles, so whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step, we may have a job that's a good fit for you.
We're committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration and professional growth.
Some of our job openings may require specific skills or qualifications, such as proficiency in software development or experience in marketing.
We're always looking for talented individuals who share our values and are passionate about delivering exceptional results.
Our company culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect.
If you're interested in learning more about our job openings or would like to submit your application, please visit our careers page.
Publications and Recognition
Killick Martin & Co has been featured in the latest edition of the BIFAlink Magazine for their achievement in winning the BIFA Supply Chain Management Award.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) issues the BIFAlink magazine as a monthly publication.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killick_Martin_%26_Company
- https://www.clodura.ai/directory/company/killick-martin-company-ltd
- https://www.abebooks.com/first-edition/China-Bird-History-Captain-Killick-Firm/30782170695/bd
- https://www.globalialogisticsnetwork.com/news-globalia/2023/06/16/globalia-bristol-awarded-by-bifa/
- https://contactout.com/paul-gallagher-68228
Featured Images: pexels.com