A 22-year veteran of the organization, Ronald Rodriguez provides a steady guiding hand as Cargo Operations Manager at TOTE Maritime, Puerto Rico. When the port added a new type of container this year, he worked to ensure that there was no compromise in stability or safety. He volunteers to assist with ISO certification audits, provides security training and facilitates drills on emergency response and safe practices.
Talk to any Saltchuk Safety Award winner, and they’ll tell you: ensuring that everyone makes it home safely every day is everyone’s responsibility. Each year, Safety Award nominations come from across the Saltchuk family of companies, highlighting employees who go the extra mile for safety. We asked each of the dozen 2024 awardees to tell us something about themselves and why they like to play it safe on the job.
Getting to Know Ronald
Q: Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
“I was raised in Cayey, a small town nestled in the mountains of Puerto Rico. Its name, Cayey, derives from the Taíno word for “a place of waters.” From my early education to my high school years, I remained in the same town.
I pursued electrical engineering at the Polytechnic University of San Juan. Apart from my academic pursuits, I am a musician skilled in playing the trombone, Latin minor percussion, guitar, and a bit of piano. In my youth, I played baseball and tennis, and now I enjoy practicing golf. During my leisure time, I cherish moments spent with my family, friends, music, and church activities. I actively participate in the Spanish Ministry and Spanish Chorus at our church.”
Q: Tell me about your career, your current position, and what led you to it?
“I have always been drawn to the intricacies of the maritime industry, serving our island and playing a crucial role in the supply chain within the maritime transportation sector. My interest has now evolved into a deep passion for my work.
My professional journey began in 1989 at Continental Shipping, where I managed ship mail at the port of Puerto Rico. Over time, I rose to the position of operations manager, overseeing 90% of the ships visiting the port.
In 1997, I ventured into the cargo industry as a port agent at Inchecape Shipping Services. I eventually became the line operations manager, collaborating with various maritime companies.
In 2002, I joined Holt Cargo Terminals as the assistant general manager, handling international and domestic operations. Subsequently, I transitioned to TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico (known then as Sea Star Line) as the manager of terminal and maritime operations. I moved to Port Everglades, Florida, with TOTE, serving as marine manager and eventually as the port manager, and led the construction of a new facility at Port Everglades in 2010. Following that, I was stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the terminal manager. In April 2012, I relocated to the Port of Jacksonville, Florida, as the terminal manager, responsible for terminal and vessel operations. Currently, I hold the position of operations manager at the port.”
Safety to Ronald
Q: In your own words, why were you nominated for a safety award?
“I believe I was selected because I consistently demonstrate my passion for terminal operations, ensuring the safe unloading and loading of containers at our port without any incidents that could jeopardize safety.
My years of experience in various ports have taught me the paramount importance of safety in our line of work, not only to deliver service efficiently but also to ensure the well-being of our colleagues as they return home. This brings me immense satisfaction.”
Q: Is there something in your life that drove your commitment to safety?
“A few years back, in 2001, during a loading operation at our terminal, a twist lock detached from a container and struck a stevedore wearing a hard hat, causing a severe injury that required immediate medical attention. This incident made me realize the multitude of risks present in our operations, emphasizing the need to always identify and mitigate them before proceeding. “
Q: What was your first impression of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico?
“TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico is a company that prioritizes safety awareness in our work, a value that resonates deeply with me as it highlights a commitment not only to us employees but also to our families.”
“Never hesitate in voicing their concerns, pausing to assess the safety of a task, as their vigilance could potentially save a colleague, family member, friend, or even a stranger “
Q: Speaking up for safety can be difficult for some people. What advice would you give to someone within our family of companies who’s convinced their feedback won’t matter — or worse, that they’ll somehow be punished for taking action?
“I urge all individuals working for Saltchuk or any other organization, in any capacity, to never hesitate in voicing their concerns, pausing to assess the safety of a task, as their vigilance could potentially save a colleague, family member, friend, or even a stranger — a sense of fulfillment that is truly invaluable. “
