September 30, 2025

The first Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics in the Caribbean opens at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

By: Saltchuk

in Featured News, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, Freight Transportation, Giving Back, Marine Services, News Post

Supported by Saltchuk, the CETL will develop talent, drive applied research, and connect academia and industry to strengthen the region’s supply chain.

Mayagüez, Puerto Rico — On September 30, 2025, The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) inaugurated the Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics (CETL), a pioneering initiative for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region designed to advance specialized workforce development, applied research, and academia–industry collaboration to address real supply-chain challenges across the island and the region.

The ceremony brought together key government officials, including Sebastián Negrón Reichard, Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, the Mayor of Mayagüez, engineer Jorge Luis Ramos Ruiz, the Chancellor of UPRM, Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Saltchuk Chairman Mark Tabbutt and his leadership team, CETL Director Dr. Héctor J. Carlo and the CETL Board of Directors, allies from the private sector, and university faculty and students, underscoring a broad coalition committed to the success of the initiative.

“In a context where supply-chain resilience has become a decisive factor in competitiveness, having highly trained local talent in transportation and logistics is a strategic advantage for Puerto Rico. This Center will not only prepare our talent to lead in a constantly evolving global industry, but it will also add value across our economic proposition: from strengthening exports to optimizing processes for companies operating here. Investing in logistics knowledge expands the island’s opportunities to integrate into international markets with greater agility, security, and efficiency,” stated Sebastián Negrón Reichard, Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico.

Under the direction of Dr. Héctor J. Carlo, the CETL is built on three pillars: (1) hands-on academic programs, including co-ops and internships; (2) applied research in resilience, cold chain, and multimodal transportation; and (3) strategic partnerships with industry to accelerate technology transfer, innovation, and career pathways.

The Center is launched with the support of Saltchuk and its family of companies, deepening a long-term collaboration with UPRM to expand high-value opportunities for students, enhance the competitiveness of Puerto Rico’s logistics ecosystem and strengthen the reliability of the island’s supply chain.

“Saltchuk is proud to partner with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez to launch the Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics. Improving quality of life through our services is our purpose and through this Center, we’re committing to the students who will learn, grow, and build careers that strengthen the region’s supply chain and communities,” stated Mark Tabbutt, Chairman, Saltchuk.

“The opening of the CETL is a historic milestone for UPRM and the University of Puerto Rico itself. This Center will catalyze innovation and relevance across our academic mission by working hand-in-hand with industry peers on solutions that impact the economy and the quality of life of our people,” said Dr. Agustín Rullán Toro, Chancellor, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

The Center invites companies and trade groups to collaborate on internships and co-ops, as well as sponsoring applied-research challenges and data-sharing initiatives, mentorships, guest lectures, and practice-based teaching. Additionally, companies can provide in-kind support and service on the CETL Advisory Board to help set priorities and impact metrics.

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Media Contacts:

Carla Santiago I carla.santiago@edelman.com

María de Lourdes Martínez Cordero | 787-400-3597

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.