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Welcome to the Saltchuk family of companies e-newsletter, keeping you up to date on the significant events and achievements that have shaped our company in recent months.
Saltchuk makes 10-year commitment to create and expand transportation and logistics industry education opportunities in Puerto Rico
(L-R) Dr. Héctor J. Carlo, UPRM Professor and Engineer; Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Chancellor of UPRM; Maria Del Mar Rodriguez, Tropical Shipping AVP; Eduardo Pagan, VP TOTE Maritime; Alejandro Caicedo, Tropical Shipping Puerto Rico Island Manager
From technical skills to graduate studies: Saltchuk is committed to advancing industry education in Puerto Rico
Saltchuk is investing in Puerto Rico’s transportation and logistics (T&L) education through two complementary university partnerships addressing critical workforce development needs.
The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) will launch this Fall the Caribbean’s first Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics (CETL), focusing on advanced education and research. The center will develop graduate programs and specialized minors, conduct applied research in areas like disaster resilience and cold chain logistics, and foster industry partnerships. With an initial funding of $1 million, Saltchuk has conditionally pledged to contribute $10 million over a 10-year period to support the growth of the CETL.
At the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR), Saltchuk is creating a Talent Development Program targeting technical and operational skills through enhanced associate degree programs, internships, certifications, and apprenticeships. With an initial funding of $200,000, Saltchuk has conditionally pledged to contribute $2 million over a 10-year period to support PUPR.
Both programs will be guided by expert industry advisory boards led by local leaders of TOTE and Tropical Shipping to align educational pathways with sector needs and ensure program effectiveness. The funding is conditional on meeting annual performance milestones, demonstrating Saltchuk’s commitment to developing Puerto Rico’s T&L workforce.
Saltchuk honored with dual safety awards from Signal Mutual
Saltchuk’s unwavering commitment to safety excellence earned double recognition at Signal Mutual’s January General Meeting in Austin, Texas. The company secured both the Industry Safety Leadership Award and saw one of its own, Tropical Shipping’s Hector Rodriguez, named Operations Professional of the Year.
Behind Rodriguez’s award lies an inspiring story of dedication shaped by military service and tested through natural disasters. As Operations Manager at Tropical Shipping’s San Juan facility, his innovative approach to safety has transformed workplace practices.
Rodriguez’s impact extends far beyond his immediate role. As Chairman of the Security Committee at the Puerto Rico Shipping Association, he’s brought together federal agencies to enhance port security. His leadership was particularly crucial during Hurricane Maria in 2017, when his team maintained operations despite devastating conditions.
These awards highlight Saltchuk’s success in building a culture where safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a fundamental value. As Rodriguez puts it: “There is no greater reward than seeing everyone go home safe.”
Last December, TOTE Group welcomed Aqua Gulf and Saltchuk Logistics companies, Carlile, Naniq Global Logistics, and Shoreside into a newly formed vertical, TOTE Logistics. Together, these companies provide a breadth of services from Hawaii and Alaska, and across the country to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
“I know that we are in great hands by joining the Saltchuk family of companies as part of TOTE Group. This is the best place for Aqua Gulf as we begin the next chapter,” said Aqua Gulf Founder Bobby Browne.
Under sunny January skies, Foss’s PNW fleet moved to Pier 46 from Pier 90 in the Port of Seattle.
The move brings the Seattle-based fleet closer to the Saltchuk Marine offices, allowing all Saltchuk companies at 450 Alaskan a front-row seat of the fleet at work.
Photo credit: Steve Lorentz, NorthStar Energy
Redefining government shipbuilding with NSMV success
TOTE Services has revolutionized government shipbuilding through its National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, demonstrated by the September 2024 delivery of the Patriot State, the second of five vessels.
As Vessel Construction Manager, TOTE Services has achieved unprecedented efficiency, limiting cost growth to 1% while delivering vessels in 41 months—dramatically better than traditional government programs. Each $320 million vessel costs less than half of conventional procurement methods.
The 524-foot vessels serve as both maritime training platforms and humanitarian response assets.
Construction continues at Philly Shipyard, with three more deliveries scheduled through 2026.
During its inaugural Sea Term, TOTE was proud to welcome Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the NSMV Patriot State to their San Juan terminal in January.
Through partnerships with youth organizations, more than 200 students from across Puerto Rico visited the state-of-the-art training vessel to learn about education opportunities in the maritime industry.
Miami warehouse team drives cultural transformation through leadership and listening
When a troubling employee engagement survey hit leadership’s desk at Tropical Shipping’s Miami warehouse in 2022, it sparked a remarkable transformation that would revolutionize not just operations, but the entire workplace culture. Today, that same facility stands as a compelling example of what happens when leaders truly listen to their teams.
The challenge was daunting: high overtime costs, over 50 temporary workers, mounting safety concerns, and a workforce resistant to change. Under the guidance of Miami Warehouse Director Brandon Johnson and AVP Dave Carter, the facility embarked on a comprehensive overhaul that went far beyond surface-level fixes.
The results? Loading efficiency doubled from 355 to 725 cubes per hour. Temporary staffing dropped from 50+ workers to just one. Error rates were slashed in half. But the most telling change wasn’t in the numbers—it was in the culture. A facility that once struggled to staff night shifts now receives regular employee referrals, with team members proudly bringing friends and family to apply.
Local Alaska truck driver Johnny U leads by example
Known for his dedication and expertise, John “Johnny U” Unutoa has been an essential part of Carlile Transportationfor over 20 years. Starting in the warehouse and moving into driving, Johnny now plays a key role shuttling freight for TOTE’s twice-weekly runs.
A 10-year agreement was subscribed to enhance academic and career development in a critical industry for the economic growth of Puerto Rico
To strengthen academic and professional development in the transportation and logistics sector, Saltchuk, with more than 30 years of transportation-related operations in Puerto Rico, has partnered with the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) to create a Talent Development Program. This initiative seeks to enhance the institution’s specialized studies in transportation and logistics, equipping new students and the professional workforce with innovative skills and on-the-job training opportunities needed to succeed in an industry critical to the island’s economic growth.
Specifically, Saltchuk and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop programs and industry partnerships to attract, train, upskill, and retain skilled professionals, advancing careers in transportation and logistics in Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean region.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to empower a new generation of professionals in transportation and logistics, creating pathways for education and career development that will benefit individuals, businesses, and the economic development in Puerto Rico,” said Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of Saltchuk.
This initiative will be carried out in close collaboration with additional industry partners to align talent priorities, increase interest in the sector, and promote training opportunities such as internships, high-demand certifications, co-ops, apprenticeships, job placements, and deliver targeted programs designed to meet the evolving needs of the transportation and logistics industry.
“Our university has a long-standing tradition of establishing strategic alliances with key industrial sectors that drive Puerto Rico’s economic development and the broader Caribbean region. As we approach our 60th anniversary in 2026, we take great pride in this partnership with Saltchuk, which underscores our unwavering commitment to educational excellence and workforce readiness,” said Ernesto R. Vázquez, President of PUPR. “We will achieve this by enhancing our academic programs, strengthening our faculty, and investing in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment to provide the highest standards of education and hands-on training,” added Vasquez.
Currently, the PUPR is the only institution on the island to have in place an experienced-focused associate’s degree in engineering in Supply Chain and Logistics. This Talent Development Program will enhance students’ academic and practical preparation in the associate’s degree program and advance the skill sets of professionals already working in the transportation and logistics industry.
Saltchuk has invested an initial $200,000 to launch the Program, with conditional funding over 10 years based on key performance milestones. This initial funding will establish the program infrastructure, deliver high-quality training, and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for the transportation and logistics sector. Saltchuk is leading the formation of an expert industry advisory board to maximize the impact of programs, matching education paths with industry needs and opportunities.
“The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico is committed to modernizing its Associate Degree program in Supply Chain and Logistics to meet industry demands. We will focus on curriculum updates, faculty development, and the integration of an Industry Advisory Council to keep our programs aligned with real-world needs,” said Dr. Carlos J. González Miranda, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at PUPR. “This collaboration will open avenues for faculty and students to contribute solutions that strengthen Puerto Rico’s role in high-tech manufacturing and supply chain logistics. Our goal is to maintain a world-class talent pipeline that meets the highest industry standards,” finalized González Miranda.
The Talent Development Program is expected to begin operations later this year, marking a significant step forward in Puerto Rico’s workforce development efforts.
Over the years, Saltchuk’s family of companies in Puerto Rico—TOTE Maritime, Tropical Shipping, Puerto Rico Terminals, Aqua Gulf, and StratAir—have maintained strong ties to the community. This effort builds on Saltchuk’s ongoing commitment to supporting post-secondary education opportunities and fostering economic development in the communities and regions where it operates.
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About Saltchuk Resources, Inc.
Saltchuk is a privately owned family of diversified freight transportation, marine services, and energy distribution companies. Headquartered in Seattle, Saltchuk provides leadership and resources to independent companies, including some in Puerto Rico: TOTE Maritime, Puerto Rico Terminals, Tropical Shipping, Foss Maritime, and StratAir.
For over 35 years, Saltchuk’s companies in Puerto Rico have driven economic growth and business expansion by ensuring reliable import and promoting export services from Puerto Rican SMEs to the Caribbean and beyond, strengthening the island’s supply chain and global connections. TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico transports freight to and from the U.S. mainland on U.S. flag vessels; Tropical Shipping transports freight to and from foreign countries on foreign flag vessels; Aqua Gulf is one of Puerto Rico’s largest asset light logistics companies; StratAir provides air cargo service to and from South Florida throughout the Caribbean; and Puerto Rico Terminals operates the largest, most efficient cargo facility in Puerto Rico – accommodating vessels of all types and sizes.
About Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, founded in 1966, is a leading institution in engineering, architecture, and business administration education, committed to academic excellence and the comprehensive development of professionals prepared for a globalized world. It has campuses in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Orlando and Miami, Florida; and offers a fully online/virtual curriculum.
The institution was recently awarded a 4-star rating in the renowned international QS Stars rating system, a recognition that highlights its commitment to academic quality, the employability of its graduates, and its global impact. This distinction positions PUPR as one of the most important educational institutions in the region, reaffirming its leadership in higher education. With this recognition, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico becomes the first and only institution in Puerto Rico to be awarded four stars in this international rating system.
Currently, the Polytechnic University offers the most diverse program in Puerto Rico in the field of Engineering and Applied Sciences, with 10 programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), demonstrating the School of Engineering’s commitment to academic quality and excellence.
Annually, 90% of our graduates successfully join the professional workforce in Puerto Rico. Additionally, our university’s enrollment has established it as the largest private, Hispanic-serving, nonprofit School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in the United States.”
Hector Rodriguez (left) accepts the Operations Professional of the Year award at the Signal Mutual General Meeting in January.
Saltchuk’s commitment to safety excellence was doubly recognized at Signal Mutual’s January General Meeting in Austin, Texas. The company received the Industry Safety Leadership Award, while Tropical Shipping’s Hector Rodriguez was named Operations Professional of the Year.
The Industry Safety Leadership Award acknowledges Saltchuk’s dedication to workplace safety culture and leadership engagement. Signal Mutual highlighted Saltchuk companies as environments where safety and operations seamlessly integrate, resulting in performance metrics that exceed industry averages.
“We were honored to receive recognition for the incredible work our companies and employees do daily to ensure that every employee returns home safely,” said Lisa McQueen, Saltchuk’s Senior Director of Risk.
For Hector Rodriguez, Operations Manager and Vessel Planner at Tropical Shipping’s San Juan facility, the Operations Professional of the Year award marks another milestone in his distinguished 18-year tenure with the company. The honor recognizes operational professionals who elevate safety standards through personal values and unwavering commitment to preventing workplace injuries.
Rodriguez’s journey to this achievement began in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, where his dedication to safety was first instilled during his military service. “In the Army, you are taught safety first, from day one,” Rodriguez reflects. “You develop your training with one single thing in mind: accomplish your task and bring all your guys back home.”
This military-inspired approach to safety has defined Rodriguez’s leadership at Tropical Shipping, where he has implemented numerous innovative safety initiatives. His recent efforts include retraining warehouse employees on operational and safety requirements, installing peripheral vision mirrors in restricted visibility areas, and developing a tsunami evacuation plan that Tropical and other port operators have adopted.
Rodriguez’s influence extends beyond Tropical Shipping through his role as Chairman of the Security Committee at the Puerto Rico Shipping Association. Through his role with the PRSA, in 2024, he led the Homeland Security Initiative Seminar, bringing together key federal agencies, including HSI, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.
His commitment to safety was particularly evident during Hurricane Maria in 2017 when his leadership helped maintain operations despite devastating conditions. “While we were working, family members were doing the cooking and taking care of the young ones,” Rodriguez recalls. “We did not miss a sailing. It has been the biggest accomplishment of this team.”
Rodriguez, also a 2024 finalist for the Saltchuk Safety Awards, emphasizes the importance of speaking up about safety concerns. “If we really care about the safety of our colleagues and our own safety, take action,” he advises. Don’t ever hesitate to talk to your first-line supervisor. There is no greater reward than seeing everyone go home safe.”
These awards from Signal Mutual underscore Saltchuk’s broader success in creating a culture where safety is not just a priority but a fundamental value. Through the combined efforts of dedicated professionals like Rodriguez and strong organizational leadership, Saltchuk continues to set industry standards for workplace safety excellence.
As part of a long-term commitment to post-secondary education and youth development, Saltchuk has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) to establish the first Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics (CETL) in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. This groundbreaking initiative aims to attract and develop talent focused on the transportation and logistics industry, promoting long-term economic and social development in Puerto Rico.
“We recognized a need to create an opportunity for Puerto Ricans to pursue a graduate degree in Transportation and Logistics within Puerto Rico, and we identified UPRM as the leading institution that can make this happen. The enthusiasm and vision that the team at UPRM has demonstrated made our commitment an easy decision. We look forward to partnering with UPRM for years to come”, said Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of Saltchuk.
(L-R) Dr. Hector Carlo, Professor of Industrial Engineering; Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Chancellor of UPRM; Maria del Mar Rodriguez, María del Mar Rodríguez, Assistant VP, Tropical Shipping; Eduardo Pagan, Vice President & General Manager, TOTE Maritime Agency Puerto Rico; Alejandro Caicedo, Puerto Rico Island Manager, Tropical Shipping
The initiative aims to promote new career paths for Puerto Ricans by identifying educational opportunities within the transportation and logistics sector. By fostering the academic and technical preparation of a new generation of leaders and skilled professionals, the CETL will directly tackle the lack of awareness and exposure to transportation and logistics careers and the limited academic specialization in these areas currently offered in Puerto Rico.
“This partnership with Saltchuk represents a historic milestone for the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. By establishing the first Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics, we are creating unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty to innovate, collaborate, and lead in a vital industry. This initiative highlights our commitment to fostering cutting-edge education and research that directly addresses Puerto Rico’s needs, while also preparing our students for successful careers. Together, we are driving economic and social progress for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean,” said Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Chancellor of UPRM.
The CETL will be located inside the Mayagüez campus and is scheduled to begin operations in the upcoming fall academic semester under the leadership of UPRM industrial engineering professor, Dr. Héctor J. Carlo. The CETL will focus on three strategic pillars:
Develop specialized academic programs, including minors and graduate degrees, as well as internships and hands-on learning opportunities within the transportation and logistics industry.
Promote research, applied solutions, and technological advancements to address the priorities of Puerto Rico’s transportation and logistics sector, including disaster resilience, cold chain logistics, and multimodal transportation.
Establish strategic industry partnerships to foster collaboration and more extensive engagement between university resources and industry.
“The Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics at UPRM exemplifies a significant step in the collaboration between the private sector and academia. I am honored that an industry-leader has decided to strategically invest in UPRM as a mechanism for strengthening Puerto Rico’s transportation and logistics industry. The CETL will enable UPRM students and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds to develop the specialized knowledge and skills required to drive the future of the industry,” said Dr. Héctor Carlo.
With an initial funding of $1 million, Saltchuk has conditionally pledged to contribute $10 million over a 10-year period to support the growth of the CETL, which will serve as a catalyst for Puerto Rico’s long-term talent development in the transportation and logistics sector. The CETL will be backed by an expert industry advisory board overseeing its operations and development opportunities.
Saltchuk’s family of companies have a significant and growing presence in Puerto Rico. TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico transports freight to and from the U.S. mainland on U.S. flag vessels; Tropical Shipping transports freight to and from foreign countries on foreign flag vessels; Aqua Gulf is one of Puerto Rico’s largest asset-light logistics companies; StratAir provides air cargo service to and from South Florida throughout the Caribbean; and Puerto Rico Terminals operates the largest, most efficient cargo facility in Puerto Rico – accommodating vessels of all types and sizes.
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About Saltchuk Resources, Inc.
Saltchuk is a privately owned family of diversified freight transportation, marine services, and energy distribution companies. Headquartered in Seattle, Saltchuk provides leadership and resources to independent companies, including some in Puerto Rico: TOTE Maritime, Puerto Rico Terminals, Tropical Shipping, Foss Maritime, and StratAir.
For over 35 years, Saltchuk’s companies in Puerto Rico have driven economic growth and business expansion by ensuring reliable import and promoting export services from Puerto Rican SMEs to the Caribbean and beyond, strengthening the island’s supply chain and global connections. With a network of 28 ports of call and specialized cargo vessels, Saltchuk companies ensure the delivery of vital goods across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, including food, construction materials, and medical supplies. Saltchuk is a community-driven company impacting the regions and interests of the communities where it operates. Over the last decade, Saltchuk has set its community engagement priorities around youth development and post-secondary education initiatives.
About UPR Mayagüez Campus
The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), also known as “El Colegio,” is the premier institution for science, technology, engineering, and agriculture education in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and community engagement, UPRM serves as a hub for innovation and leadership development. With a strong emphasis on fostering talent, the university prepares its students to address global challenges while contributing to Puerto Rico’s economic and social advancement. Learn more at www.uprm.edu.
TOTE Group is excited to announce the acquisition of Aqua Gulf, a leading third-party logistics provider in Puerto Rico and the U.S.
For almost 60 years, Aqua Gulf has delivered cargo for its customers and the people and communities of the island.
“I am excited for Aqua Gulf to join TOTE Group companies. Given our long-term partnership with TOTE, this acquisition was a great opportunity for the future of Aqua Gulf. TOTE Group and Saltchuk are committed to ensuring our family culture and company would continue with the same focus and values that have allowed us to succeed, while also providing a platform for future growth,” said Aqua Gulf Founder Bobby Browne. “I know that we are in great hands by joining the Saltchuk family of companies as part of TOTE Group. This is the best place for Aqua Gulf as we begin the next chapter.”
Ensuring the company continues with the same focus and values, Aqua Gulf’s management will remain the same under this acquisition.
Aqua Gulf will join TOTE Group as part of TOTE Logistics, a new business area. In addition to Aqua Gulf, TOTE Group announced that Carlile, Naniq Global Logistics, and Shoreside Logistics will also join TOTE Logistics as of January 1, 2025. Together, these companies provide a breadth of services from Hawaii and Alaska across the mainland to Puerto Rico.
Mike Noone, Chief Operating Officer at TOTE Group, will assume the role of President of TOTE Logistics, overseeing these companies. Noone brings more than 30 years of experience in the domestic maritime and logistics industries to his new role.
“The addition of logistics services to the TOTE Group companies allows us to offer effective and efficient opportunities for those moving cargo throughout the U.S., particularly in the non-contiguous trades,” said Tim Nolan, President and CEO of TOTE Group. “Mike is the right person to oversee this new venture. His leadership and experience will ensure success for TOTE Logistics.”
Mike Noone, Chief Operating Officer at TOTE Group, will assume the role of President of TOTE Logistics, overseeing these companies. Noone brings more than 30 years of experience in the domestic maritime and logistics industries to his new role.