Our History

Trans-World Shipping Service, Inc. is a full service international company serving both import and export clients.

The roots of our company are strong and deep, as our history dates back to pre-world war I days.

After attending Toledo Normal School in 1910, Miss Lillian Kriener went to work for Toledo's only customhouse broker, Charlie Pratt, until his death in 1918. To continue the business, Miss Kreiner became a licensed customhouse broker in 1918 and was granted license number 15. She was the first woman in the United States to become a licensed customhouse broker. Later, Miss Kreiner married Blaine Hopkins and, together they ran the business.

In 1954, a group of local business men established Trans-World Shipping Service, Inc. as a foreign freight forwarder. With the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, Toledo became a busy port with import as well as export cargo. In order to be able to serve all the needs of their clients, the partners acquired Kreiner-Hopkins Company in 1958.

In 1980 R.E. Smith purchased the company. With his leadership and guidance, Trans-World Shipping Service, Inc. continued to grow and expand it's range of services. Regan Smith and Wynn Spurgeon continue this same tradition today.

While ownership has changed over the years, the company has remained locally owned for over 85 years. We are proud of our history and look forward to the future as we continue to service our customers requirements in the rapidly changing world of international business.

Trans-World Shipping Service, Inc. is committed to excellent, professional and personalized service.