TOTE role in Puerto Rico includes support for Monica Puig initiative

Eduardo Pagan, TOTE Maritime VP in Puerto Rico and Monica Puig coordinate delivery of relief goods

OCTOBER 26, 2017 — TOTE Maritime is playing a leading role in the delivery of relief cargo to Puerto Rico, including supporting an initiative by tennis star and Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig, who set up a fundraising page that has raised more than $150,000 to help her homeland of Puerto Rico recover from last month’s devastating hurricanes. Joining her in this effort has been Maria Sharapova, who “fell in love” with the island and its people after playing an exhibition match against Puig in San Juan last December.

Earlier this week, TOTE Maritime delivered containers filled with fuel, stoves and medicine on behalf of Monica Puig and Maria Sharapova who visited the island to help distribute the items.

“I am so thankful for the help that TOTE Maritime has given me with my relief efforts for Puerto Rico. To be able to have the supplies shipped to the island in such a fast, safe and efficient manner means the world to me and enabled to make it possible to hand out all these products to the people that needed it so badly,” said Puig.

TOTE Maritime has also been working closely with customers and non-profit organizations to meet the ever changing and increasing needs of the island.

Chris Swartz, Director of AJC Logistics noted “TOTE Maritime’s efforts to support our company, our customers and, most importantly, the people on the island have been extraordinary. Their flexibility and solutions oriented approach in this time of crisis is ensuring the timely delivery of relief goods while sustaining and reinvigorating the island’s economy. They are the leader of refrigerated cargo shipment to the island. Reliable refrigerated cargo delivery means restaurants, retailers and hotels are open and people are able to get back to work and support their families.”

Sergio Sandrin, President of Aquagulf Transport, commented “Since Maria hit Puerto Rico, we have worked closely with TOTE Maritime to keep our customers supply chain moving forward. Over the last month, at every step along the way, TOTE has clearly communicated the challenges and worked with us on solutions.”

TOTE Maritime and its partners are committed to meeting to the immediate needs of the island while also supporting the long-term regeneration of the island’s economy which is critical for the people and communities of Puerto Rico as they adjust to life after Hurricane Maria.

“We are appreciative for the partnership with TOTE Maritime to support the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria,” said Lauren Ulrich, Director of Logistics Support for Disaster Cycle Services at the American Red Cross. “TOTE’s commitment to people, communities and the environment make them a good disaster response partner.”

Since Hurricane Maria, TOTE Maritime has delivered more than 9300 containers of relief good and cargo to the island. The Isla Bella arrived yesterday with more than 1,040 containers and the Perla del Caribe will arrive this weekend.