News

Saltchuk and Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Partner to Launch Transportation and Logistics Talent Development Program

February 13, 2025

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.

###

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.”