Founded in 2007 in Belfast, TCB Group began with a clear mission: to deliver dependable global logistics solutions across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Just one year later, in 2008, we secured our UK IATA accreditation, a pivotal milestone that enabled us to expand into air freight services and establish ourselves as a trusted partner for time-critical deliveries.
Our international growth started in 2010 with the opening of our first overseas office in Singapore, strengthening connections between Europe and Asia. By 2015, we expanded further within the UK by establishing a branch in Liverpool, strategically located to support trade routes and customer operations in the North West.
Recognising the importance of transatlantic trade, 2017 saw TCB Group incorporate in Indianapolis, USA, allowing us to support global supply chains more effectively. In 2019, we deepened our presence on the island of Ireland by opening an office in Dublin, ensuring comprehensive coverage for customers across the Republic of Ireland.
Innovation has also shaped our journey. In 2020, we launched our first direct LCL service from Ningbo to Ireland, marking our entry into the consolidated freight market. A year later, in 2021, we achieved our Irish IATA accreditation, further enhancing our air freight services for businesses across the Republic. Most recently, in 2023, our Singapore office relocated to Changi Air Freight Centre, positioning our team at the heart of one of Asia’s most important global logistics hubs.
Today, TCB Group is recognised as Ireland’s leading provider of consolidated freight and global logistics services. From our Belfast headquarters to our international offices, our history reflects a consistent commitment to reliability, innovation, and global supply chain excellence.
From Front Room to Global Network: The TCB Journey
What began in a suburban semi-detached house has evolved into an global logistics network spanning four countries and serving clients across six continents. This growth wasn’t accidental—it came from recognising that traditional freight forwarding wasn’t meeting modern business needs.
The global logistics industry in 2007 was dominated by established players offering standardised services. Customers faced rigid processes, limited visibility, and a “take it or leave it” approach to service. TCB Group saw opportunity in these frustrations, building a business model centred on flexibility, innovation, and genuine partnership.
The Evolution of Supply Chain Expectations
Between 2007 and today, supply chain requirements have transformed dramatically:
Technology Integration From paper-based processes to real-time digital tracking, the industry has undergone a technological revolution. Early adoption of online systems for inventory management and shipment tracking positioned TCB Group ahead of larger, slower-moving competitors.
Globalisation Acceleration The past decade has seen explosive growth in global trade, with small and medium enterprises accessing international markets previously reserved for multinationals. These businesses needed global logistics partners who could scale with them.
Customer Expectations Modern customers demand transparency, flexibility, and proactive communication. The days of accepting “it’s on a ship somewhere” as a tracking update have long passed.
Regulatory Complexity From enhanced security requirements to environmental regulations and customs changes, the regulatory landscape has become increasingly complex, requiring expertise and adaptability.
Strategic Expansion: Each Location Serves a Purpose
Belfast (2007): The Foundation Our Belfast headquarters established our reputation for handling challenging shipments others wouldn’t touch. Northern Ireland’s unique position—part of the UK but with special access to EU markets—provided strategic advantages we’ve leveraged for clients worldwide.
Singapore (2010): Asian Gateway Recognising Asia’s growing importance, we established Singapore operations early. This wasn’t just about following trade flows—it was about being positioned where our clients needed us, providing local expertise in a critical global hub.
Liverpool (2015): E-commerce Evolution The explosion of e-commerce demanded new approaches to fulfilment and distribution. Liverpool’s central UK location and port facilities made it ideal for serving the rapidly growing online retail sector.
Indianapolis (2018): American Ambitions Entering the US market represented both our clients’ needs and our own ambition. The Indianapolis location enables European and Asian companies to serve American customers effectively whilst helping US businesses source globally.
Dublin (2019): Completing the Irish Offering Opening in Dublin completed our Irish presence, providing Republic of Ireland businesses with local service and EU-based operations. This expansion proved particularly prescient given subsequent Brexit developments.
Innovation Through Listening
Our growth has been driven by solving real problems for real businesses:
Remote Inventory Management When clients struggled with overseas stockholding, we developed online systems enabling them to manage inventory across continents as easily as in their own warehouse.
Challenging Cargo Expertise By specialising in shipments others avoided—oversized, urgent, or complex—we built expertise that now benefits all clients.
Consolidation Services Recognising that many businesses ship less-than-container loads, we developed consolidation services that provide container shipping economics without requiring full volumes.
Multi-Modal Solutions Rather than forcing clients into single transport modes, we combine road, sea, air, and rail to optimise cost, speed, and reliability.
The Power of Independence
Remaining independent has enabled TCB Group to maintain the agility that sparked our founding. Without corporate bureaucracy or shareholder pressure for short-term returns, we can:
- Make quick decisions in response to client needs
- Invest in long-term relationships over immediate profits
- Maintain the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation
- Provide genuinely personalised service
Cultural Values Driving Growth
“Yes” Mentality Where others see problems, we see puzzles to solve. This approach has led to breakthrough solutions and long-term partnerships.
Relationship Focus We measure success not in quarters but in client relationships spanning years. Many clients who started with us in that suburban front room remain partners today.
Continuous Improvement Every challenge teaches us something. We’ve built a culture where learning from difficulties strengthens our service.
Global Perspective, Local Service Operating internationally while maintaining local presence in each market provides clients with the best of both worlds.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter
The global logistics industry continues evolving rapidly:
- Sustainability requirements are reshaping transport choices
- Digital transformation is accelerating
- Supply chain resilience has become boardroom priority
- Regional trade patterns are shifting
TCB Group’s history of adaptation and innovation positions us to navigate these changes whilst maintaining the personal service that defines us.
Experience the TCB Difference
From that front room in 2007 to our international network today, TCB Group has grown by transforming supply chain challenges into competitive advantages for our clients.
International Shipping Services
Our global network now spans Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin, Singapore, and Indianapolis, providing truly international coverage. Each location was chosen strategically to serve specific trade lanes and client needs, creating a network that delivers worldwide.
Freight Forwarding Services
We’ve been challenging conventional freight forwarding since 2007. Our approach combines traditional global logistics expertise with innovative solutions, delivering the transformative supply chain management that sparked our founding.
Warehousing Solutions
Our warehouses aren’t just storage spaces—they’re strategic assets enabling remote inventory management, e-commerce fulfilment, and consolidation services. From Belfast to Singapore, each facility extends our clients’ capabilities.
Freight Consolidation
One of our earliest innovations, consolidation services exemplify our problem-solving approach. By combining multiple shippers’ goods, we make international shipping accessible and economical for businesses of all sizes.
Freight Consultancy
Our growth comes from listening and learning. Through our consultancy services, we share this accumulated expertise, helping businesses optimise their supply chains and navigate global logistics complexities.
Dangerous Goods Management
Handling challenging cargo has been central to our story. Our dangerous goods expertise, developed through years of managing complex shipments, ensures safe, compliant transport for regulated materials.
Join Our Story
Whether you’re a local forwarder who needs reliable, competitive shipping options, or an overseas agent seeking a more responsive global logistics partner, TCB Group offers the innovation, expertise, and reliable global logistics service options that’s driven our growth since 2007.
For further details on TCB Group contact [email protected] or call +44 (0) 28 9560 8444.
FAQs About TCB Group and Global Logistics
1. What is TCB Group and when was it founded?
TCB Group is a freight forwarder and consolidation service provider founded in 2007 in Belfast. It has since grown into a global logistics network with branches in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
2. What global logistics services does TCB Group provide?
TCB Group offers freight forwarding, freight consolidation, warehousing, dangerous goods management, and supply chain consultancy, with expertise in air, sea, road, rail and multimodal transport.
3. Where does TCB Group operate internationally?
TCB Group has branches in Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Singapore, and Indianapolis, strategically chosen to support key global trade routes and client operations.
4. What makes TCB Group different from other logistics providers?
Unlike larger, rigid providers, TCB Group focuses on flexibility, innovation, and customer service. Their independence allows them to make quick decisions and provide tailored logistics solutions.
5. How has TCB Group innovated in the logistics industry?
TCB Group has pioneered services such as direct LCL (less-than-container load) routes, remote inventory management, and multi-modal transport solutions, helping businesses ship smarter and faster.
6. Does TCB Group handle complex or challenging cargo?
Yes. TCB Group specialises in managing oversized, urgent, dangerous, and complex shipments that many other logistics companies avoid.
7. Why is TCB Group recognised as a leader in global logistics?
Through continuous expansion, customer-focused innovation, and a commitment to reliability, TCB Group has become Ireland’s leading provider of consolidated freight and global logistics services.
8. Who can benefit from TCB Group’s services?
TCB Group supports many a diverse range of organisations with global logistics solutions from local companies and local freight forwarders to overseas agents seeking a more responsive global logistics partner.