Speak Up, Take Action
Our First Core Value
Our Commitment
Your safety is our first priority. We want Saltchuk companies to be the kind of place where we would all be proud for our children to work; foundational to this is ensuring that everyone returns home safe and sound. As such, our goal is zero incidents across all lines of business.
Our people work across the world in demanding conditions. Whether working in the field or in the office, a culture of safety requires us all to function as one team to ensure safety is continually practiced every day.
To achieve this:
- We foster a culture of safety within our organization, every day. We educate our people so that the lessons they learn at work they also take home.
- We expect a personal commitment to safe processes and guidelines; this shared commitment is the foundation of our safety mentality. We work continuously to improve and protect against potential hazards.
- We support every employee in exercising their responsibility to their team, their families, and themselves to comply with safety rules and regulations, and to speak up when there are unsafe work conditions. Every person working in our operations has stop work authority.
- We ensure our operating companies maintain proper procedures and requirements to help prevent incidents and review best practices with the hopes that these lessons will not only make our people safe at work, but also at home.
We acknowledge and encourage employees to put these practices into action and to make a personal commitment to safety.
Michael D Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety is awarded to an individual who displays distinguished service at a Saltchuk company regarding safety.
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2024: Aldin “Al” Estencion, Hostler at Carlile Transportation, received the 2024 Saltchuk Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety for promoting injury prevention and maintaining a vigilant, organized, and safe freight yard, demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety and fostering a strong safety culture.-
2023: Darren Espina, Maintenance Crew Chief at Aloha Tech Ops, was honored with the 2023 Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety by Saltchuk. With over 37 years in aviation maintenance, Espina was recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to instilling a strong safety environment among his team.-
2021-2022: Merillee Gorman, Terminal Operations Manager, Tropical Shipping, was honored with the 2021–2022 Mike Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety for her unwavering commitment to safety leadership. As Tropical Shipping’s Terminal Operations Manager, she fosters strong team bonds, leads daily safety practices, and ensures operational excellence, prioritizing the well-being of her crews in challenging conditions.-
2020: Jozette Montalvo,Vice President of Human Resources at Hawaii Petroleum, received Saltchuk’s Mike Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety for her leadership in developing and implementing COVID-19 safety protocols. Her efforts ensured employee and customer safety, enabling essential operations during the pandemic and exemplifying a commitment to workplace safety.-
2018: Billy Godwin, Terminal Operations Manager, TOTE Maritime Alaska, was honored with the 2018 Saltchuk Mike Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety for his leadership in setting a strong safety standard, implementing key projects that reduce incidents, inspiring employee engagement, and encouraging a workplace where everyone goes home injury-free daily.-
2017: Ron Costin, Operations Manager, Foss Maritime, received the 2017 Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety. With a military background and decades of maritime experience, he championed a “zero incidents” culture, pioneering safety initiatives and inspiring his Southern California team to an exemplary safety record and operational excellence.
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2016: Captain Greg Phillips received the inaugural Michael D. Garvey Award for Distinguished Service in Safety. Since joining Foss Maritime in 1989, he pioneered safer tug operations, mentors crew members, and is respected for his leadership in advancing company safety dynamics and operational excellence.
President’s Award for Innovation in Safety is awarded to an individual who is responsible for an innovative idea that improves safety behaviors or activities at a Saltchuk Company.
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2024: George Salazar, Senior Cargo Handling Specialist at Tropical Shipping, received the 2024 Saltchuk President’s Award for Safety Innovation. In response to a near miss incident, George created a flatrack inspection depot and standardized processes to ensure safer operations and roadways.
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2023: Jorge Corral, StratAir’s Key Account Senior Operations Manager, received the 2023 Saltchuk President’s Award for Safety Innovation. With 29 years of aviation experience, he champions an inclusive, safety-first culture—pioneering innovations like static racks and cargo roller systems—dramatically reducing injury risk and boosting operational efficiency across StratAir’s network.-
2021-2022: Mark Theriault, Director of the Harbor Division at Cook Inlet Tug and Barge, accepted the 2021-2022 Saltchuk President’s Award for Innovation in Safety on behalf of his dedicated team. With over 15 years of maritime experience, he champions mariner-driven safety improvements and inspires an atmosphere of continuous innovation and operational excellence.-
2020: Jack Hagey, Engineer aboard the Stacey Foss, Red Dog Mine, Foss Maritime, received Saltchuk’s 2020 President’s Award for Innovation in Safety. He invented the “Hagey Handler,” a hand tool that improves safety and efficiency when handling heavy or frozen lines, demonstrating hands-on ingenuity and a strong commitment to protecting his crew.-
2019: Joseph Bennett, Terminal Operations Manager, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, received Saltchuk’s 2019 Innovation in Safety Award. Leveraging 15 years in logistics and stevedoring, he led transformative safety improvements, including terminal redesign, innovative lashing materials, and enhanced fueling procedures—demonstrating a collaborative, customer-focused approach that prioritizes continuous safety and operational excellence.-
2018: Edilio Brito, Lead Mechanic, Tropical Shipping, received the 2018 Saltchuk President’s Award for Innovation in Safety. His inventive LED forklift directional and perimeter warning system exemplifies dedication to workplace safety, equipment reliability, and creative problem-solving, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and protection for all.-
2017: Jeremy Davenport, Yard Supervisor, Carlile Transportation, received the 2017 Saltchuk President’s Award for Innovation in Safety. By redesigning Carlile’s Tacoma yard layout, he improved traffic flow and safety, reduced freight claims, and promoted a collaborative, safety-first culture—ensuring his team works efficiently and returns home safely every day.
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2016: Cornelious “CC” Williams, Terminal Assistant, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, was awarded the inaugural Saltchuk President’s Award for Innovation in Safety. He developed a driver safety program and infraction system, significantly reducing incidents at TMPR’s Jacksonville terminal, and was recognized for his hands-on leadership and devotion to maintaining a workplace atmosphere where safety comes first.
