Posts Categorized: Air Cargo
February 28, 2025
|
|  | | | 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 RicoSaltchuk 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.” |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Aqua Gulf joins the Saltchuk family of companies |
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | A new view from the corporate home office |
| | 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. |
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
November 1, 2024
|
|  | Fall | 2024 News & Events |
| | 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. |
| | Young Brothers invests over $45 million to enhance reliability of interisland shipping |
| | On October 3, Young Brothers christened the Kalohi and Nāulu, two brand-new barges set to enter service in late December. These state-of-the-art vessels are part of a $49M investment to improve the efficiency and resilience of YB’s interisland shipping services. Kalohi will serve smaller ports like Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i, and Nāulu, YB’s largest barge yet, will boost cargo capacity across all islands. |
| | | Saltchuk welcomed OSG to the family |
| | In late August, Saltchuk’s leadership team traveled to Tampa, FL to welcome Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) to our family of companies. The acquisition closed July 10, adding Energy Shipping to Saltchuk’s diversified portfolio, and OSG as a seventh stand-alone business unit. OSG is a leading provider of energy transportation services with a fleet of 21 U.S. flagged company-owned and operated vessels. |
| | | Saltchuk Safety Awards honor innovation and commitment to our first core value |
|  | 2024 Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in SafetyAldin Estencion, Hostler, Carlile TransportationA daily stretching program started five years ago at Carlile has helped to nearly eliminate soft tissue injuries, but these programs don’t happen without consistent champions. “Aldin has been a model employee for safety and reliability,” his nominator says. “He continues to be a great asset to Carlile and all of the employees around him.” 2024 President’s Award for Safety InnovationGeorge Salazar, Senior Cargo Handling (and Hazmat) Specialist, Tropical Shipping George’s proactive response to a near-miss situation, where cargo was improperly secured, led to a significant safety innovation at Tropical Shipping. His creation of a flatrack inspection depot and his dedication to training a new crew have greatly enhanced safety for all. 2024 Honorable Mentions: - Michael Correa, Mechanic Crew Chief, Aloha Tech Ops
- Sal Griffith, Operations Manager, St. Thomas, Tropical Shipping
- Tomas Merel, Electrician, TOTE Services
- Drew Nanouk, Cargo Agent, Ryan Air
- Hector Rodriguez, Operations Manager & Vessel Planner, Tropical Shipping
- Ronald Rodriguez, Cargo Operations Manager, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico
- Scott Jason, Manager, Marine Operations Vineyard Wind, Foss Offshore Wind
- Blair Teddy, Port Captain, Pacific Northwest, Foss Maritime
- Nathan White, Assistant Foreman, TOTE Services
- Donell Wilson, 289 Mechanic, TOTE Maritime Alaska
|
| | | Saltchuk photo contest winners capture “A day in the life” |
| 
| | | Saltchuk’s commitment to long-term sustainability includes thoughtful succession planning and leadership development initiatives. This year, Saltchuk companies celebrated several notable leadership transitions, a testament to its commitment to growing and developing its next generation of leaders. - Saltchuk Aviation President & CEO Betsy Seaton announced her retirement at the end of the year and promoted Saltchuk Aviation COO Mike Thompson to President & CEO.
- Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) CEO Sam Norton announced that Tim DiPietropolo, Tropical Shipping Vice President of Operations and Marine, was to join OSG as President & Chief Operating Officer in September.
- Tropical Shipping Jeff Fiser announced his retirement in July, promoting Tropical President Tim Martin to President & CEO.
|
| | | Tropical celebrates 10 years with Saltchuk |
|  | Tropical Shipping celebrated 10 years as a member of the Saltchuk family of companies with an all-company lunch on September 6 at the Port of Palm Beach. Saltchuk primary shareholder, Nicole Engle, and Chairman Mark Tabbutt expressed their gratitude to employees, celebrating the company’s growth and commitment. “The common theme throughout Saltchuk, now more than 8,000 people, is that every day people get up, and they are serving others; we are a vital link to the quality of life from Guyana to Barbados, all the way out to Western Alaska to Point Hope,” said Mark, “It’s an awesome purpose we have as an organization… thank you for everything you do.” |
| | | We made an error, and you did not receive our Summer Newsletter! Click the link below to read about new tugs for California, Puerto Rico events, Alaska news coverage and more! |
| | | | |
|
|
|
| |
|
November 15, 2021
Giving of time, talent, and treasure in the communities that support our employees and businesses is a value the founding members of Saltchuk shared, and one that has become a cornerstone of our family business.
We are proud that in 2020, during an extraordinary year of challenge for so many, Saltchuk companies provided almost $4M million in grants, in-kind freight transportation, and employee-matching contributions in our communities.
In 2020, Saltchuk matched employee donations of $187,000 and gave another $1.76 million in cash grants through individual operating companies and Saltchuk Regional Giving Committees in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, and Florida/the Caribbean. Our Regional Giving Program expanded its usual support of youth development and postsecondary education to include emergent needs such as food security, housing, and healthcare insurance related to the COVID-19 crisis. Our companies provided nearly $2 million in in-kind transportation for emergency supplies, recycling, food bank donations, and other community programs. Whether focused on health, the environment, social services, the arts, youth, and/or education, Saltchuk companies intend for their gifts to build capacity and resiliency in our communities.
As shareholders, we set a minimum target for community giving to ensure consistency and accountability to our value of giving back. As we reflect on the last year, we want to express our appreciation and gratitude to the communities and employees who support our family of companies. We hope this report provides a sense of ownership and pride, reflecting the values we share and the commitment we as shareholders feel to our communities.
– Saltchuk Shareholders
Read the 2020 Saltchuk companies annual giving report
April 24, 2020
Four food banks across the state will each receive $15,000 amid the COVID-19 pandemic
HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I – In an effort to feed local families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Saltchuk Hawai‘i companies: Aloha Air Cargo, Hawai‘i Petroleum, Minit Stop, and Young Brothers, LLC, donated $60,000 today to support the critical service Hawai‘i’s food banks provide to our island communities. The Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, Maui Food Bank, and the Food Basket will each receive $15,000 to support their efforts to feed families in need.
Photo courtesy of the Hawaiʻi Foodbank.
“Food insecurity is one of many challenges local families across the state are facing right now as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Jay Ana, president of Young Brothers, LLC. “In addition to supporting local food banks with in-kind transportation, we are grateful for the opportunity to join our sister companies in helping to support our food banks in this way.”
The Saltchuk Giving Initiative – Hawai‘i Region typically awards funds to nonprofits in the sectors of youth development and post-secondary education programming. However, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the initiative recognized the current need to support our local food banks that are providing vital services to keep our communities healthy and strong.
“We know there is a huge need for basic necessities such as food and water and we’re here to help the communities that have trusted us for so long,” said Kimo Haynes, president of Hawaiʻi Petroleum. “By focusing our donation to organizations who have established infrastructure, we can quickly help the people who need it the most.”
“Hawaii’s food banks are recognized both nationally and locally for its mission to feed those in need,” said Travis Colbert, Vice President & General Manager of Aloha Air Cargo. “It was a logical choice for a far-reaching effect during this very challenging time.”
Since its inception in 2014, the Saltchuk Giving Initiative – Hawai‘i Region has given over $1.4 million in grants to various non-profit organizations. In 2019, Saltchuk Hawaii companies provided more than $280,000 in grants and in-kind transportation to the community.
About the Saltchuk Giving Initiative – Hawai‘i Region
The Saltchuk Giving Initiative – Hawaii Region, accepts applications from non-profit organizations statewide whose primary purpose is to further post-secondary education and youth development. For more information, visit www.saltchuk.com/about-us/giving.
About Aloha Air Cargo
Headquartered in Honolulu, Aloha Air Cargo, delivers fast, economical and reliable transport of goods between the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii. It became an independent cargo operator after the closure of Aloha Airlines passenger services in May 2008. Aloha Tech Ops is a division of Aloha Air Cargo and provides maintenance and engineering services to airlines in the State of Hawaii. For more information, visit, www.alohaaircargo.com.
About Hawai‘i Petroleum
Hawaii Petroleum is a wholesale and retail marketer of fuel products, convenience retailing and signature island fare operating on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. With a modern fleet of bulk delivery vehicles, 7 commercial HFN cardlocks, 20 Ohana Fuels retail stations, and 16 Minit Stop stores, Hawaii Petroleum’s mission is to be the preferred provider in the markets we serve. For more information, visit https://hawaiipetroleum.com/.
About Young Brothers, LLC
Young Brothers, with approximately 370 employees across the state, has served Hawai‘i since 1900. Young Brothers is a publicly regulated water carrier providing weekly port calls from Honolulu to the state’s neighbor island ports, including Hilo, Kawaihae, Kahului, Kaumalapau, Kaunakakai, and Nāwiliwili. For more information, visit www.youngbrothershawaii.com.
April 22, 2020
Saltchuk companies are proud to support Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest, and the Keep Workers Healthy and Safe Fund as part of the ALL IN Seattle campaign. The ALL IN Seattle campaign was created to promote direct donations to organizations providing critical support in Puget Sound and across the state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are grateful to the strong network of non-profit organizations that are rising to the challenge to meet the needs of our community, said Nicole Engle, Saltchuk Shareholder and Chair of Saltchuk’s Washington Regional Giving Committee. “Employees across our companies are doing their part to keep the supply chain running smoothly and we are proud to support our communities in helping those most impacted by this crisis.”
NW Harvest – $30,000 grant
Northwest Harvest’s statewide hunger relief network is comprised of 375 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools as unique as the communities they serve.
Food Lifeline– $30,000 grant
Food Lifeline distributes food to more than 300 food banks, shelters, and meal programs throughout Western Washington, providing the equivalent of 134,000 meals every day for hungry children, adults, and seniors.
Keep Workers Healthy and Safe Fund– $40,000 grant
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce fund has received $400,000 to date in pledges to help employers continue to provide uninterrupted medical insurance for their employees and keep employees safe by offsetting the costs of additional sanitization and safety supplies.
Last year, Saltchuk companies contributed more than $385,000 to non-profit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Nationwide, the Saltchuk family of companies donated more than $2.2 million in in-kind transportation and nearly $2 million in grants within their communities.
Saltchuk companies in Washington include TOTE, Carlile, Foss Maritime, Delta Western Petroleum, NorthStar Energy and Northern Aviation Services.
