We are updating this page, please visit us soon for pictures and bios

 

International Trade Transportation Pioneers
D => G

A => C

 D => G H => M N => R S => Z

Felix de Armas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Born in Cienfuegos, in 1932, Felix began his airline career with British Airways (BOAC), in Havana, where he was pursuaded to join AF in 1953, as a sales and ticket agent.
Leaving Cuba in 1962, he made his way to New York, where he sought reemployment with AF. In recognition of past services (he managed to get $20,000 of the Company’s money out of the country), he was granted transfer status and assigned as a passenger sales representative. By 1964, he was able to transfer to Miami in the same position, covering Miami-Dade County.
In 1970, AF decided to open a cargo department in Miami, and Felix was asked to create one. He started from scratch, with little more than the Yellow Pages and a Caravelle to the French Caribbean, a plane with almost no capacity and a full passenger load. European shipments needed to be transshipped via New York. An allotment was obtained via Airborne, and being basically a one-man operation at the time, dinners were often interrupted by urgent needs at the airport, such as repacking dry ice, or caring for live dolphins.
As time went by, traffic increased, and Felix was able to begin assembling a small staff. Service began using a chartered flight to Pointe a Pitre for onward connections to Paris and beyond. Finally, after many years of struggle, AF did begin some cargo operations in the 1980's and Felix was officially named District Cargo Manager.
At long last, AF began transatlantic service from Miami in 1986, an event we had all fought for, for years.
Unfortunately, he was not long able to enjoy the fruits of his labors, as he became ill in 1987, and passed away in July 1988.

Ralph de la Rosa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1959 - 1966 New York: Hudson Shipping, Co.
Ø Messenger
Ø Custom House Representative
Ø Entry Clerk
1966 -1968 Miami: Frontier
Ø Entry Clerk
1968 - 1971 Miami: Freeslate International
Ø General Manager
1971 - 1999 Miami: Imperial Freight Brokers, Inc.
Ø President
"It is undeniably a great honor to receive such an award. Not only am I immensely grateful to this industry for allowing me to advance my professional goals but also for bestowing upon me the chance to meet and do business with a group of wonderful people. I am also thankful because I've had an opportunity to maintain a company that has evolved into a family owned business currently run by my young son, Ralph, Jr. Therefore, I believe that upon receipt of this award, we are not merely honoring the "pioneer" stages of the industry but are creating a legacy for the future, a rather promising one at that. Once again, I thank you dearly."

Jose Maria de la Torre (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A native of Cuba, Jose Maria de la Torre, arrived in the United States together with so many others in search of freedom, settling in Miami, Florida.
He started in the transportation industry during his early days in Cuba as a Customs Broker, even then making himself well known in the community for his work and his good will to help others.
Most of his working years in the United States were spent with Viasa Airlines Cargo Department. Back in those days, Viasa Airlines was the flag carrier for Venezuela and moved millions of pounds of cargo.
Not only was he loved and known by our cargo community in Miami, but he was sought after by many of his peers that were looking for knowledge and clarification of the rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Code of Federal Regulations since his knowledge and understanding were incomparable.
We thank Jose Maria de la Torre for favoring us with his presence and knowledge for so many years and for being a true Pioneer to the airfreight industry

Alberto L. de Rojas, Sr.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Alberto de Rojas, Sr. was born in Cardenas, Matanzas, Cuba in 1948.
Alberto first joined the shipping industry in 1971 when he worked at Chester Blackburn & Roder, Inc. as a bill of lading clerk and traffic Manager.
In 1974 he joined Coordinated Caribbean Transport, Inc. as a Line Manager. During his eighteen years with the company he rose through the ranks and held various positions, and was instrumental in the development and start up of the Peru and Venezuela service in 1981.
He was named Vice-President for Central America and Panama in 1984 a position that he held until his departure from the company, in December of 1990.
In February 1991, he founded Trinity Shipping Lines, S.A., along with his partner Steve Calderon, and during the last ten years this company has maintained a regularly schedule independent service to and from, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Alberto is joined in the management of this company by Steve Calderon, as Senior Vice-President, and Albert de Rojas, Jr., as Executive Vice-President where they all work together for the continued success of their company and the promotion of trade in South Florida.
Alberto believes that the company’s success is directly related to the personalized service that its customers have come to trust and appreciate.
Trinity Shipping Line, S.A.’s willingness to listen to customers’ needs and indeed, trying to become a partner in their shipping needs and thus in their success, is the way that Trinity Shipping Line, S.A., assures their own continued success.
Trinity Shipping Line, S.A. currently operates two 500 TEU’s vessels on a fixed bi-weekly schedule.
Alberto has stated that Trinity Shipping Line, S.A. shows that dream do become true if you work hard and consistently, in pursuing your goals.
Alberto’s wife Aurelia maintained the role of caring for the children, Albert and Victoria, and their home. She is now enjoying her grandchildren, Angela, Pedro Luis de Rojas and Madison L. Lowell, while continuing to give complete support to Alberto’s career and their advancement as a family unit.
Alberto’s hobbies include fishing, golf, traveling, and spending time with the entire immediate family at frequent gatherings.

Jorge R. de Tuya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Jorge was born in Havana, Cuba in 1942, and is married to Marta Ortiz de Tuya. He is the father of a son, Jorge Jr., and a daughter, Marta Maria and boasts eight grandchildren. In high school, he studied at Riverwide Military Academy, in Gainesville, Georgia. In 1959, he was graduated from Escuela Profesional de Comercio in Havana, with a degree in Customs Brokerage.
Jorge started his Freight Forwarding career in Havana in 1959 in his father's company, Tuya Cuban Express. In 1960, he left Havana and came to Miami when his father and brother were imprisoned by Castro. In 1965, along with his brother Oscar, they established Tuya International Corp., operating as International Air & Ocean Freight Forwarders and NVOCC. Mr. De Tuya obtained his Customs Broker License in Miami, and then created Tuya Freight Brokers Corp., operating as Customs Brokers.
In June 1976, Tuya International inaugurated its own office and warehouse building facing the Palmetto Expressway across from Miami International Airport.
In 1974, Jorge became a member of Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association. He was a Director and served on several committees. He was elected President of this association for the term 1979-1980. He then remained as a Director for several years.
Mr. De Tuya served as president of SER JOBS for PROGRESS from 1982 through 1984 and remained on the Board of Directors for many years.
Jorge is also a Past President of the South Florida NVOCC & NAOCC Association, where he has served as a Director for many years. He was designated the Official Customs Broker for the Trade Fair of the Americas celebrated in Miami, and sponsored by the City of Miami.
After Tuya International and Tuya Freight Brokers were sold to the Swiss Danzas in 1986, he remained for eight years at the then Danzas Tuya International in an executive position. In 1995, Jorge left Danzas and joined Golden Eagle. This company was sold to USF Worldwide where he remains as Sales Director for Central America and the Caribbean.
A tireless traveler, Mr. De Tuya has traveled this whole hemisphere, offering Seminars and Conferences in conjunction with several Chambers of Commerce and cargo organizations in countries such as Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina; always selling the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport as gateways to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Oscar C. de Tuya, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Oscar was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1929, and is married to Sheila Reuben de Tuya. He is the father of a daughter, Gracie, and a son, Oscar III, and has two grandchildren. Oscar was graduated from High School at the Jesuit Colegio de Belen in Havana, class of 1947. In 1958 he was graduated from Escuela Profesional de Comercio, Havana, with a degree in Customs Brokerage.
Oscar began his Freight Forwarding career in 1948 working for his father's company Tuya Cuba Express in Havana. In a few years he became Executive Vice President and established branch offices in New York City, Chicago and Miami. Tuya Cuban Express was the first foreign International Air Freight Forwarder in the world to be granted a Civil Aeronautics Board foreign permit, signed by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 5th, 1954.
In 1960, after serving a prison term in Castro's Cuba, he came to Miami with his younger brother Jorge and established Tuya International Corp. operating as International Air & Ocean Freight Forwarders and NVOCC. With his brother Jorge (who had obtained his Customs Broker license in Miami in 1974), they incorporated Tuya Freight Brokers and began operating also as Customs Brokers.
In June 1976, Tuya Internationall inaugurated its own office and warehouse building facing the Palmetto Expressway, across from Miami International Airport. In 1974 he became a member of the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association. He was elected a member of its Board of Directors in 1975 and First Vice President in 1976. He became President of this Association for the 1977-1978 term. Later, he served as a Director for many years and on several committees. Acting as Chairman of the newly created "50 Mile Rule Committee" he led the struggle against the unjust 50 Mile Rule established by the International Longshoremens Association (ILA). After a long legal battle, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Forwarders and NVOCC's and against the ILA. In 1978, Mr. De Tuya was appointed a member of the United States District Export Council by the then US Secretary of Commerce, Juanita Kreps. Mr. De Tuya was an active member of the Board of Directors of Republic National Bank of Miami from 1978 to 1999.
In 1980 he was presented the Man of the Year Award by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association. Mr. De Tuya was the recipient of the "Men for Others Award" given by Belen Jesuit Intercultural Center in 1994, and again in 1997.
In 1986, Tuya International and Tuya Freight Brokers were sold to the Swiss company, Danzas. He remained in an executive position at Danzas Tuya International for five years until he retired in 1992. In 1993 he came out of retirement and started working for Latin American Forwarding Company (LAFCO) as a Consultant. In June 2000, he retired again, this time for good (???).

Oscar C. de Tuya, Sr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Oscar Sr. was born in Havana, Cuba. He married the former Silvia Aleman with whom he had three children, Silvia, Oscar, and Jorge.
He graduated from High School at the Jesuit Colegio de Belen in Havana, class of 1909. When his father died, he left Cuba and went to live in New York where he learned the export business and very soon became the Export Manager for the Boston Varnish Company.
In 1940, he incorporated CONTINENTAL EXPRESS in New York, dedicated to shipping cargo to Havana, via West Palm Beach in Florida. The business was discontinued in 1942 due to the Second World War.
He then returned to Cuba and in 1947 created TUYA CUBAN EXPRESS in Havana, and RAINBOW SHIPPING COMPANY, INC. in Miami, operating as International Freight Forwarders from the United States to Cuba, via Miami and Key West.
In 1949 he opened branch offices in Miami, New York and Chicago and became the largest Freight Forwarder to Cuba, establishing a house service that included Customs clearance at the destination Airports and Piers.
His son Oscar Jr. joined TUYA CUBAN EXPRESS in 1948 becoming Executive Vice President within a few years. His youngest son, Jorge, joined the Company in 1959. TUYA CUBAN EXPRESS was the first ever Foreign International Air Freight Forwarder in the world to be granted a Civil Aeronautics Board foreign permit, signed by the President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 5, 1954.
Oscar Sr. was the founder and first President of the Cuban Association of Freight Forwarders in Havana, in 1952.
He was an avid stamp collector and owned one of the largest collections in Cuba. He wrote a book about philately in 1957.
In early 1960 he was sentenced to12 years in jail, accused of conspiring against the government and of being a spy for the American Embassy in Havana. He served six years at La Cabana prison, and was released in 1965 due to his deteriorated health. That same year, his son Oscar picked him up in a boat during the Camarioca boat lift.
He died in Miami in 1967.

Leopoldo del Calvo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Leopoldo del Calvo was born on March 24, 1934. He got started in the Freight business on August 3, 1951 as a messenger (Dependiente de Aduana) and went on and graduated as a Custom Broker in 1955 in Havana.
On November 1, 1960 he came to Miami thinking that he could land a job in the freight forwarding business.
Miami had lost the Cuban Market so he did some odd jobs in factories and hotels until, thanks to Mr. Guido Aguilera, he started working at Trans Air System in September 1964. In 1966 he went to Airbone Freight Corp. and from there he went to Profit by Air in December 1968.
Mr. Leopoldo del Calvo completed the American dream in 1979 when he got 50% of "Land Joy Int'l. Forwarders" and then in 1982 bought the other 50%.
He ran his company very successfully until 1997 when he sold it and worked with them until November 1997, when he retired.
Mr. Del Calvo worked a total of 33 years as a freight forwarder in the Miami area.
Alberto del Cerro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Alberto Del Cerro was born in Havana, Cuba on January 24, 1931.
In 1948 he was graduated from the Escuela Professional de Comercio in Havana, Cuba and in 1951 he was graduated from Presbyterian Junior College in Maxton, North Carolina.
In 1951, he returned to Cuba and started to work as a Customs Broker with Agencia Aduana Rada which was owned by his father.
In 1960, he left Cuba for Miami with his wife and two children.
He worked with 7-11 Stores until 1966 when he was hired by LEBCA Airlines. He worked with LEBCA until 1967 when he went to work with Julio Suarez, at SUAREZ SHIPPING SERVICES.
In 1968, CUSTOMS CLEARANCE & DISPATCH hired Alberto. In 1970, he passed the Customs Broker exam and founded IMPEX International Brokerage Inc.
In 1999, the President of Venezuela awarded Alberto the VENEZUELAN AIR FORCE CROSS.

Octavio "Tony" Descalzo


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Descalzo was born in Havana, Cuba and was graduated from Institute Civic Military, and the High School from Centro Superior Tecnologico, Ceiba del Agua, Cuba. He started working with ASOCIATION of Commerce and Industria de la Bahia de la Habana at Lonja del Comercio Building. He was a member of the Colegio de taquigrafos de Cuba, Asociation de Reporters de la Habana, Rotary Club of Havana, propeller Club Port of Havana, etc.
On December 10, 1948, Mr. Descalzo married Georgina Gonzalez Montes de Oca and years later, they had two children Octavio Cristobal and Ana Margarita.
When the revolution came to Cuba in 1959, he decided to leave for the United States. Because of his position as Director of Public Affairs for the Port of Havana, he had a very good relationship with the United States Embassy and was a friend of the Navy Attaché, Colonel W. Clark. Col. Clark mentioned that the political situation changed in the island of Cuba, and he offered Mr. Descalzo legal residency in the U.S.A., with his family. Mr. Descalzo decided to take the offer and he left Havana for Key West on January 13, 1960 on board the ferry "City of Havana," with his family and his 1954 Chevy and all the belongings that he could put on top of the car and in the trunk. They arrived in Miami the next day with very little money.
The first job he got was with Miami Shipping Agency as a freight solicitor in Miami for Lines Maritimes Mabisas with service in 1960, between Miami/Havana. The offices were located at Pier 2, in the Old Port of Miami. At that time, he visited a few freight forwarding companies such as Annette Hyder, Rafael Gazitua, Manolo Alonso (from New Orleans), Mario Rodriguez, Gene Rodriguez -- all old timers.
Mr. Descalzo started working with Sea-Highways, a new ferry company from Port Everglades to Puerto Barrios (Guatemala), as Assistant Traffic Manager. In 1962 this shipping company closed operations and CCT took over the ferry operations from Watson Island to Guatemala. Thanks to Albert Delgado, Mr. Descalzo was introduced to George Collins and Ray Rippoll and they hired him as Assistant Operations manager for CCT. He opened a trailer office in Watson Island to take care of the two trailer ships "Freight Forwarders" and "Freight Consolidator."
In 1965, Mr. Descalzo decided to start his own business, INTERCONTINENTAL FORWARDERS. With the grace of God and the help of good friends he kept the freight forwarder business for more than 25 years until 1992, when he sold the building in Miami Springs, that he had designed and built. Later he had the opportunity to sell the business to a friend from Peru.
In 1967, Mr. Descalzo became a member of Interamerican Businessman Association and become its President in 1991. In 1972 he became a member of CAMACOL and served as a Director, Secretary, and Vice President. In 1974, Florida’s Governor of named Tony Descalzo as a member to the Latin Affairs Commission. In 1975, on behalf of CAMACOL, he attended all public meetings for the purpose of the installation of RAPID TRANSIT in Dade County. Tony Descalzo received a CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION from Mayor Steve Clark on March 31st, 1978.
In 1976, Tony Descalzo received a plaque for his leadership as Chairman of the Hispanic Committee BOARD TRUSTEES OF THIRD CENTURY U.S.A., and in 1988 Hon. Bob Martinez, Governor of the State of Florida, named Tony Descalzo a member of the Advisory Board of the Adult Education Committee.
He was an active member of the Interamerican Businessmen Association (A.I.H.E.), Director of the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, First Vice President and one of the founders of Miami Foreign Trade Association (Florida Foreign Trade Association), Director and a founder of the Association of Publishers Latin-American, Member of the Propeller Club, Port of Miami, Member of the National Funding Cuban-American, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations.

Ramon Espino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Espino was married to Concepcion Navarrete (deceased). He was the father of three sons and four daughters. His lat employment was as Senior Vice President for Coordinated Caribbean Transport (now knows as Crowley Maritime Co.).
Ramon Espino was a member of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (FCBF) since 1961, and served as a member of the Board of directors of the Florida Chapter of the US Propellers Club. He was honored as "Man of the Year" for 1981 by FCBF--the first time in history this award was given to a representative of a steamship company. This award is given for outstanding leadership and vision in the development of international trade in Miami, and also for his contribution to the industry.
Mr. Espino was honored by the Organizing Committee of the First Central American Games and was given recognition for his valuable work in the development of the First Central American games in 1973. He was honored with Knighthood in the Sovereign Order of Malta, which is a high religious order in the Catholic Religion. This Knighthood is such an exalted honor that it would allow him to be received by the Pope at the Vatican.
The Guatemalan government in 1982 honored Mr. Espino when he was presented with the "Order of the Quetzal" for his humanitarian efforts during the earthquake. That same year, he received an honor and award from the President of the Red cross in Guatemla for his generous and humanitarian efforts in obtaining positive results concerning economic development in Guatemala. And the Red Cross.
He founded the annual Charity Martitime Golf tournament in 1982 and was awarded recognition for his effort in April 1992.
In 1982, he received an award from Metropolitan Dade County and Mayor Steve Clark, in recognition and appreciation for dedicated contributions to the Dade County Community through his achievements in the Maritime Industry. In May 1986, he received an honor and award from the Propellers Club for his continuing support of the Propeller Club and the Maritime Community.
Antonio D. Esquivel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Esquivel was born in Havana, Cuba. He has been married for 41 years and has five sons, three daughters (all married) and eighteen grandchildren.
He was graduated in February 1958 from the University of Miami, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a major in Marketing and a Minor in Foreign Trade.
Mr. Esquivel started working in the transportation industry in the Dade County Area in 1956 with Acme Fast Freight, Inc. He continued working in inland transportation until 1962 with Ryder Truck Lines, Inc., Terminal Transport, Inc., and Overseas Transportation.
In 1962 he joined Florida International Forwarders and in 1963 he moved to Venezuela holding the job of Director of Sales and Marketing for Geserca, C.A. and Supreme AirFreight Corporation.
In 1967 he founded his own company, Avimar, C.A. and from 1967-1976, he represented Sentry AirFreight Corporation and Florida International Forwarders. In 1977-1978 he formed Aero-caribe representing WorldWide Air Marine.
In 1978 he was hired by Line Manaure Steamship Line for his expertise in Ro-Ro and until 1983, held positions of Manager, Sales and Container and Trailer Control, Regional Manager, Assistant to the President and General manager.
From 1983 until his resignation in 1985, he was President for Cantaclaro Container Lines C.A. In 1986–1987 he acted as manager of Miami Equipment Distributors, and in 1987-1989 he was Sales Manager in Venezuela, for Concept Cargo in Venezuela.
From 1990 until 1993, Mr. Esquivel was Advisor and Consultant for the Holding Company Corporation Venezuelan of Guyana (CVG) and its 47 manufacturing and service companies. In 1993, he became a consultant and advisor for firms such as Harris Corporation, Wexxon Airport Systems, Instaelectric, and Universal Freightways, and from 1994-Present, he is a Director and Sales manager for Universal Freightways Corporation - NVOCC.
Mr. Esquivel was a great a promoter in changing the movement of cargo to Latin America both by Air and Ocean from Northern, Western, and Eastern Airports to the Ports of Miami, Port Everglades, West Palm Beach, and the rest of Florida.
He is an active member of many organizations, brotherhoods and has also given many courses on all phases of transportation throughout Latin America, and has acted as a guest speaker on trade at conventions and forums.
Aurelio Estrada

 

 

 

 

 Aurelio Estrada came from Cuba in 1961. In 1965 started working for Seaway Lines for the Caribbean Islands. In 1970, he commenced working for CONASA Lien a division of Eagle and Co., to Central America. In 1975, Aurelio started his own business as a freight forwarder under the name of Central Freight Forwarding, Inc., making Central and South American countries their final destination for the cargo handled by Central Freight.
This year marked the 26th year in business at the Great Port of Miami, for Central Freight Forwarding, Inc.
Jose C. Estrada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 In August 1974, Jose started as a messenger for World Wide Air Marine Freight Forwarders, Inc. Two weeks later, he started working as a clerk in the ocean department and soon after that became the manager of the ocean department.
In May 1982, he started Oceanaire International, Inc. an NVOCC with service to Aruba, Curacao and Trinidad, and today Jose C. Estrada is still the president of Oceanaire International, Inc. This was one of the first companies to do co-loading in Miami when co-loading was considered a bad word in this industry. In the 80’s a lot of people referred to Jose Estrada, as Captain Co-Load.
Accomplishments:
Jose was graduated from Miami Senior High School in June 1974. He was on the board of The South Florida NVOCC/NAOCC Association for many years. He was an active member of Iglesia Bautista Calvario for 16 years and participated in the Choir for many years as well as played the French horn at Church. He is now an active member of Taft Street Baptist Church Spanish Congregation and plays the French horn there every Sunday. Jose has played with numerous musical organizations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, including the North Miami Symphonic Band, The Wind Symphony of South Florida, The Miami Beach Community Orchestra, The Coral Park Baptist Church Orchestra, and The Miami Lakes Baptist Church Orchestra. He was also one of the founders of the Wind Symphony of South Florida.
Jose also managed to help his wife of 15 years run the couple’s ministry at Iglesia Bautista Calvario.

Roberto Faith

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roberto Faith was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. He came to the United States in the 1960’s.
After several years in the United States Army, he returned to New York and started working for two leading freight forwarders, Barr Shipping Co. Inc. and Hasman & Bax Inc. He then moved to Michigan with Whirlpool Corp. as an export manager. After three years, he moved to Miami where he worked for a year as Executive Vice President for Barr Shipping Co., Inc.
Mr. Faith founded the Faith Freight Forwarding Corp. in 1970, and for many years it was one of the leading companies of the industry. Today we have several other branches involved in the freight forwarding business, financing, and a strong commercial real state position, giving property management and legal international advice on export laws in the area of the Miami International Airport.
Ben Federico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ben Federico was born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1933 to Italian immigrant parents.  He later moved to Miami, Florida in 1950 to work and eventually attend the University of Miami.  He was the first in his family to be graduated with a degree in Business Administration, in 1956.  Upon graduation, he worked in the shipping business with Three Bays Steamship Company.  
Ben worked in the Traffic, Claims and Operations Department, and entering and clearing vessels through Customs.  In the 1960's he began working with Canadian Gulf Line, under the management of Ray Shanahan.  He later went on to join Carl Matuesk who was a Custom Broker and Freight Forwarder.  In 1970, he opened his own company, offering Freight Forwarding and Consolidation to the West Indies.  He was one of the first Consolidators to specialize in weekly service to Jamaica.  Ben worked until his health failed, and he passed away in 1993.  His eldest daughter, who continues his legacy, attributes 33 ears of service to a dedicated staff, loyal clients and Ben's tenacious reputation.       

Jose A. Fernandez

 

 

 

 

 

 Jose Fernandez obtained his knowledge of Logistics and Harzardous Warfare Material with the U.S. Army as Transportation Officer (C.D.) in Cuba.
After the war, he worked as a Custom Broker until he came to the United States.
In 1959, he began working as the Messenger for Latin American Expeditors, under Annette Haider and Frank Tejedor. He then left the company shortly after it was purchased by American Express, to open his own messenger service called "Joe’s Messeger Service".
He became a licensed forwarder in 1976, and started ULTRAMAR FORWARDING.
Jose still maintains Joe’s Speedy Delivery Service.

Tim Fernandez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Fernandez arrived in Miami on Oct. 30, 1960. Prior to that date, he and his father owned and operated Nuevitas Trading Co. in Cuba.
They provided services as ships agent, stevedoring, insurance, trucking, chartering, etc. Their company rented a warehouse in Miami in 1952 to consolidate freight from Miami to Cuba, by ocean and by air. They were also providing traffic operations for Pan Am and KLM in Camaguey, Cuba.
When he arrived in Miami he had the know-how and training to contribute in developing Miami to become the worldwide center of international trade that Miami is today.
Upon his arrival in 1960 he helped Frank Rovirosa, Sr. organize Narovi Shipping that attracted outstanding Steamship Companies to Miami. In 1962, he and Vicente Rodriguez organized Florida Line. In 1964, he started to train agencies for Florida Lines in St. Thomas, St. Croix and the Caribbean Islands. In 1966, he opened his own company in St. Thomas under the name of Virgin Islands S.S. Agency serving Florida Line, Royal Caribbean, Mediterranean Ports, Sea Train, etc.
From 1976 to 1982, along with Alfredo Duarte, he formed Daily Express Sea Wheels, a nationwide trucking company that was the first company in the USA to be licensed to haul containers nationwide, which was also instrumental in increasing Miami’s prestige.
In 1982, Mr. Fernandez was contracted by S.E. L. Maduro to organize logistics work and other specialized services. In 1984, he joined Poseidon Maritime, the food concessionaire for Royal Caribbean Line. In 1985 Poseidon Maritime became part of Royal Caribbean Line and he was named International Transportation manager. In that capacity, he organized the required logistics for the provisioning of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships -- worldwide. His duties included training agents at all destinations on how to receive and coordinate deliveries of food, general supplies including deck and hull parts and supplies.
In 1995, Mr. Fernandez retired and became a logistics, specialist and consultant in International Transportation and Provisioning for cruise ships.
For over 40 years, Mr. Fernandez’ experience and hard work has been focused on bringing trade from all parts of the world to Miami.

Phillip J. Ferrari

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Ferrari was born in Jersey City, New Jersey one of four children. He attended Hansbrouck Heights High School in New Jersey and was graduated in 1951. That same year, Curtis Wright Aeronautical Corporation employed him in Woodbridge, New Jersey. In 1952, he married Doris and they subsequently had four wonderful daughters, Rhonda, Kathy, Lori and Patty. In 1952, he was drafted into the US Army, Medical Corps Division. During his military duty he spent some time in Fairbanks, Alaska in the medical field operation. In 1954, he completed his military obligation and resumed employment at Curtis Wright Corporation. During that same year, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey and completed 3 years towards a degree in Business Administration. In 1959, he moved his family to Florida where he began a long and successful career in the air cargo industry.
1955 – Present - USF Worldwide - Responsibilities include worldwide market development, selling intermodal transportation services.
1951 –1959 - Wright Aeronautical Corporation - Foreman, responsible for the inventory and control of aeronautical tools an machine fixtures within the Manufacturing and Engineering Department.
1959 -1962 - Riddle Airlines - As Assistant Station Manager, he was responsible for all operations at Miami in the scheduled air freight division; supervised air craft loading, working schedules, personnel training, accounts receivable, and maintaining good customer relationships.
1962 –1963 - ABC Air Freight Corporation – Operations Manager responsible for all phases of operations a the Miami station, including customer contacts, procedures and controls, consolidation and scheduling of flights, etc.
1963 - 1964 - Airlift International, Inc.- As Sales Representative he was responsible for sales activities in Dade County. Substantially increased the number of house accounts, which generated volumes of 5000 or more pounds per month.
1964 - 1972 - Airlift International, Inc.- As District Sales Manager, he was in charge of sales and operations at the Miami Station, covering the southeast area of Florida, from West Palm Beach to Key West, and supervising a work force of 44 people in sales and service with special emphasis on locally derived sales to insure attainment of established quotas.
1972 -1978 - Shulman Air Freight - As Caribbean Regional Manager, he was totally responsible for sales and services in Miami, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
1978 -1984 - Burlington Northern Airfreight, Inc.- Dual positions were: Caribbean Manager and Manager of National Accounts. During his employment with them, one of his main contributions in Miami was securing the Recal Milgo account, which contributed annual revenues of approximately $1.5 million. Additionally, during this period his marketing plan in Puerto Rico made Burlington the second largest forwarder in cargo volume in and out of the Island.
1984 -1985 - Central Airfreight, Inc. - While with Central, he held two positions, Caribbean and National Account Manager. Responsible for the market development of South Florida and Puerto Rico.
1985 -1987 - Right-O-Way Airfreight, Inc.- District Manager responsible for sales and services in Miami and Puerto Rico. Developed airline contract rates to and from Puerto Rico.
1988 –1994 - Pilot Airfreight, Inc. - Cargo Account Executive in the capacity of market development within the tri-county areas.

Thomas E. Flynn

Susanne Fontana

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Susanne Fontana entered into international trade with the US Customs Service in Miami after having served one year with the US Treasury Department Office of The Secretary in Washington DC. During her lengthy career with US Customs she taught the first classes in Miami for Customs Brokers, which resulted in the majority of her students obtaining their Customs Broker licenses. As a Senior Import Specialist, she was in charge of all the Miami Region importations of cargo assembled abroad with US components. She was the author of the original 9802 ("807") procedural guide for importers.
In 1979, she resigned from US Customs to establish corporations specializing in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, consulting, drawback, and warehouse management services and support. Her corporation held a management contract to operate the 110,000 square foot public warehouse in the Miami Free Zone. She also operated the Miami Free Zone container station for Maersk, American President Lines, and Sealand; and established a bonded trucking company to dray the containers from the railhead to the Miami Free Zone station. In 1985, she founded and operated (with a partner) MIA/CFS. MIA/CFS was to be patterned after the Forwarders’ Bond in England, but it evolved into a facility for handling air consolidations and ground handling for airlines not having enough volume to establish their own terminals. MIA/CFS later expanded to serve as the import clearance facility for international couriers.
Susanne is a past President and Chairman of the Customs committee of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association. During her terms, her efforts resulted in monthly meetings with US Customs, an examination site on the Port of Miami, lock boxes for brokers/importers, lobbying in Congress for a Food and Drug compliance officer in Miami, the first seminars regarding ABI and ABI software vendors, moving US Customs from downtown to the airport, and many other important issues faced by her and her team. As a Past Vice-President of the Florida Importers and Exporters Association, she was most instrumental in having the first Miami Chinese delegation visit and display their products during a seminar to assist trade between our countries. She was a director of the Committee for Production Sharing (National Committee For 806.30 and 807.00, Inc.) a member of the Florida Council of International Development, and a director of FLORICA.
She is a consultant to numerous companies and has served as a consultant to the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department. She is an expert witness and has been a frequent public speaker for international trade groups and associations.

Nelly E. Fresnedo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nelly Fresnedo was born on April 17, 1928 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She came to New York in July 1952.
Work Experience with Steamship Lines:
United Forwarding Services (Mr. Sig M.Glukstad)
Florida International Forwarders (Mr. Ralph Gazitua)
Latin American Cargo Expediters (Miss Annette Hyder)
Thomas E. Flynn & Co. (Mr. Tom Flynn)
Tuya International (Oscar & Jorge De Tuya)
Kuehne & Nagel
And since August 15, 1977 with Miami International Forwarders, M.I.F.
Nelly has been partially retired since April 1993, working from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monday to Friday.
She likes the freight forwarding industry so much that as long as God will allow it and give her continued good health, she will try to work.
In 1961, she married Leonel Fresnedo, a Cuban national. They had one son Manuel, and a very happy marriage until 1972 when her husband died.

Charlotte Gallogly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ms. Gallogly serves as President of the World Trade Center Miami, which is Miami’s oldest and largest international trade organization, and is a recipient of the US Department of Commerce’s "E" Award for excellence in the delivery of export services. As President, she is responsible for directing trade associations, which involves the management of programs for over 1,000 companies and 3,000 business executives, engaged in international trade.
In her prior position, Ms Gallogly served as the CEO of the Florida Trade Data Center, which provided trade information services to small and medium-sized international companies in Florida and two-way trade analysis for the state of Florida.
Ms. Gallogly has served as Director of two departments in the City of Miami Economic Development and International Trade Promotion, and the offices of Protocol and Public Relations and Communications. In these positions, she developed the city’s first Strategic Plan for International Trade Promotion and led trade missions to gateway cities in Asia and Europe. She administered domestic and international trade, investment and business retention programs, developed international marketing programs and established trade referral systems with statewide and international trade development organizations to increase international business opportunities. Also, she served as the City’s ombudsperson for local businesses and coordinated minority business development and loan programs.
Ms. Gallogly is a member of the Board of Directors and a Regional Coordinator for the US of the World Trade Centers Association. The association is comprised of World Trade Centers located in 337 cities in over 100 countries with a corporate membership of more than 500,00 international companies. She has received numerous awards including induction into Miami’s "International Hall of Fame". She received an MA from George Washington University.

Maeby Garcia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ms. Maeby Garcia arrived from Cuba on February 1961, and her parents arrived in 1964 just in time to attend her graduation from Miami Senior High School.
Her first job with the industry was in August 1964, as traffic clerk with Coordinated Caribbean Transport (CCT). They were then located on NW 62nd Street and shared office and warehouse space with Universal Carloading a trucking company and Universal Transcontinental Corp. better known as UTC.
In October 1964, Ray Ripoll,Jr. then Manager of UTC asked Ms. Garcia if she was willing to Transfer to UTC. She was a little hesitant about leaving CCT, but Mr. Ripoll explained that she could even remain at the same desk -- it was just a payroll switch. Just for switching she would get a monthly pay increase from $200 to $250 a month. "Believe me back then that was a big factor when considering the offer." During her tenure at CCT/UTC, she had the privilege of working with many of this industry’s pioneers, like Tony Descalzo, Jorge y Cary Novo then Cary Alvarez, Alberto Mariño, Amalia Quintero, Emilio Sarfati, Joe Martinez, Julio Oliva, Claudio Lopez, Lalo Giro, Frank Larralde and Bobby Cruz among others. She was an export documentation clerk from 1964 until 1968.
After UTC, in 1968, she joined APSA/TAN Airlines’ Accounting Department and later transferred to the cargo documentation department and it was then that she met Jesus Bravo, Rafael Canales, Eduardo Jaen and Jorge and Diana Rodriguez. The job itself was not too exciting; it was rating and correcting air waybills so after she traveled for a while she decided to go back to the forwarding business and she rejoined UTC in 1971 at its new location in the MIAD section. It was then that she met her neighbors Julio Suarez and Thomas Flynn.
Ms. Maeby Garcia had her last job before starting her own forwarding business, with Supreme/Air Ocean Freight as documentation clerk and air traffic manager, and she remained there for five years. There she had the pleasure of working for the late Guido Jorge and with none other than Gene Rodriguez (Pipo), Ubaldo de la Riva, Santy Rodriguez, Mario Madrigal, Rafael Cervera and by association his wife Maiky.
From 1976 to the present Ms. Garcia has been at the helm of her own company Trans-America Forwarders together with her sister Melba Morales.

Charles H. Garrido

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Garrido was born in Chicago, IL in 1927. He completed Civil Service, at the University of Havana, and attended Jefferson Military College, in Washington, MS. Mr. Garrido is married to Ana Maria F. Garrido and has two sons and four grandchildren.
From 1947 to 1960, he managed and operated Garrido Travel with his father, Julio C. Garrido, until the business was taken over by the communist system in Cuba on January 1960.
He arrived in Miami, Florida, with his family in January 1960. From 1960 to 1982 he worked at American Express (Foreign Department) and continued working with the Airline Industry Pax/Air Cargo as Sales Promotion and Labor Relations Manager covering the Southern Region of the USA plus the Caribbean Area through different periods of time with Panama Airways – El Al Israel Airlines – Sabena Belgian Airlines and Alitalia Airlines. During his tenure with Alitalia he handled wholesale operations in the areas of Florida, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo and Jamaica. He handled promotional sales over the years and opened a GSA office in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mr. Garrido was involved in the passenger and cargo industry to Europe. He developed a quota system and fully participated in the interline agreements. He was heavily involved with Customs and the US Immigration and Naturalization Agencies due to the high movement of seamen passenger traffic. In 1982, he took early retirement
In 1983, Mr. Garrido joined Jet Charter Service, Inc. (Jet 24) as Sales Director for Charters and established new offices in Spain for pax/cargo/US mail.
From 1984-2002, Mr. Garrido was Passenger Sales Manager/Cargo Sales Manager for Caribbean Area & Latin America Liaison Coordinator for Arrow Air, Inc. coordinating the development of new gateways and new markets in the Republic of Panama, Santo Domingo, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Bolivia and Argentina. He developed sales for traffic cargo markets, and opened offices or appointed General Sales Agents. Mr. Garrido acquired proper governmental permits, and established cargo rates for those new markets in Latin America. He maintained complete and up to date communications with all consolidators, freight forwarders and major trucking companies that are active in the Caribbean and Latin America, keeping abreast of all market changes regarding the table of international trade (Import & Export).

L. Rafael & Mercedes Gazitua

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Luis Rafael Gazitua and his wife Mercedes started working out of a 10 by 10 office. They had a dream to re-route traditional cargo being shipped out to New Orleans and New York via Miami, Florida, and the dream came true with a lot of traveling to promote consignee sales.
The following are the companies that were founded by LR & Mercedes: In 1951, FIF (Florida International Forwarders, Inc.), was founded as one of the first family Freight Forwarders in Miami and Latin American, who owned and operated 13 offices with agents throughout the Americas.
In 1955 they founded Marine Run which was the first Ro/Ro carrier to Central America, h offering BI-monthly service.
In 1962 they founded AIBA (Alas Ibero Americans) which was the leading master airfreight consolidator to Central America and South America handling air consolidators such as CF, Emery, and Airborne.
In 1975 they founded a warehouse, WTDC (World Terminal Distribution Company). It is a leading third party logistics warehouse. It is a provider serving Local Freight Forwarder, CHB, and NVOCC with over 100,000 square feet of bonded and non-bonded warehouse space and 20,000 square feet office space.
In 1989, The Gazitua & Knowles Families founded FIF North America. FIF, a custom House Broker with temperature facilities specialized in perishable cargo.
NWTC Investment, was founded in 1999 to manage portfolio real estate, investment, securities USA, South Florida and Latin America.
LR Gazitua and Mercedes have sons and two grandsons active in the international trade. The two grandsons that will be accepting the award on their behalf are John and Daniel Gazitua.
And the dream continues . . .

John Gazitua

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 John is the son of Luis Rafael and Mercedes Gazitua. He was born in October 1943 in Santiago, Chile. He was graduated in 1961 from Coral Gables High School, and in 1997, he received his BA in Biblical Studies from Logos Christian College. John is married to Rosi Pamies Gazitua and they are the parents of five children: John, Daniel, Katherine, Carlos and Luis and grandparents of four: Kevin, John Ryan, Emalyn & Jonah.
Employment:
John began working in 1961, at F.I.F. (Florida International Forwarders), a family-owned business.
A.I.B.A. (Alas Ibero Americanas), formed in 1962 as a master air freight consolidator
I.T.D. (International Traffic Development), Domestic warehouse in 1973
W.T.D.C. (World Terminal & Distributing Corporation - Warehouse Division), 1975 Bonded Warehouse.
New World Trade Center I, 1980 office warehouse complex for International Trade Community
New World Trade Center II, 1987 office warehouse complex for International Trade Community
Community Involvement:
Past President of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association
Member of the committee that produced the film " Come Grow with Us via Miami"
J.C. International
Regional Export Expansion Counsel
Beacon Council
Toast Masters International
St. John Neumann Catholic Church - Homeless Ministry

Ralph Luis Gazitua

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ralph Luis Gazitua born, raised and educated in South Florida has been married for twenty-nine years and is the father of two young men.
He was President F.I.F. North America before selling to the Fritz Companies in 1991. At Fritz Companies, Mr. Gazitua was Regional Director for Miami, Latin America and the Caribbean.
size="2">Mr. Gazitua is currently CEO, and President of WTDC, a third party logistics handler for freight forwarders, customs house brokers, and air and ocean carriers with over 100,000 square feet of US Customs bonded, General Order, and non-bonded distribution warehouse with 20,000 square feet of office space for in-house customers.
Community involvemen
  • Past President of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association
  • Past Chairman of the South Florida BASC Association
  • Past Board Member of the World Trade Center Miami
  • Past Board Member of the America Trade Mission, Miami-Dade County
  • Citizen Volunteer of the Year 1999 State of Florida, Everglades Correctional Center.
  • Chairman of the US Customs committee for the Florida Foreign Trade Association
    Police Chaplain for the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Terry Gega

 

 

 

 

 

 A Native of Hawaii, Mr. Gega enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Miami, arriving one week after the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. He was assigned to the Guard’s Aviation Search and Rescue Unit for his four-year tour of duty.
Upon his discharge from the Coast Guard, Mr. Gega joined Eastern Airlines first, as a Cargo Agent then as Supervisor of Freight Operations, and eventually, as Manager of Cargo Services. After ten years with Eastern, he became a Vice-President of Sales and Services, for Greater Miami Air Freight, a local trucking company.
In 1980, Aloha Freightways, Inc. was established, and in the last twenty years has become a premier trucking and warehouse distribution company in the greater Miami area.

Rene Gonzalez

Mariano Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Born in Oriente, Cuba, Mariano Gonzalez arrived in the United States in 1961. Shortly after, with the Crommer Company, he started what was to become the passion of a lifetime, Cargo Transportation.
In 1975 he opened Mar Export and in 1977 Cougar International Forwarders. Always wanting to be a step ahead, Mariano joined forces with Air Wisconsin in 1984 and introduced the road feeder concept, which turned out to be a huge success. He also handled companies such as Aviateca and Tikal Jet Cargo.
One of the biggest operations to Brazil in 1994 was Mariano’s Millon Air Cargo direct service to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, moving tons and tons of freight on a daily basis.
In 1998, having trucking experience and background, Mariano and a partner created United Cargo Services. At present, Mariano Gonzalez is the President and General Manager of Pan Airlines in Miami, serving Colombia as well as other popular destinations.
With his entrepreneurial style, Mariano Gonzalez is a true example of the fast lane businessman, always seeking and creating business opportunities and enhancing our industry with his special flair.

Amado Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Amado Gonzalez started working with Linea Aeropostal Venezolana since 1960 to 1962, as a Documentation Clerk.
In 1963, he became Assistant Manager for 4 years and then Station Manager with a total of 8 years. On December of 1971, he worked with Randy International Corp. as Station Manager for 17 years.
In the year of 1988, Amado decided to have his own business, "Amado Gonzalez Forwarding" where he is up to this day and is very successful.

Lou Gosertman (2)

 

 

 

 Lou was a quiet man actively engaged in promoting professionalism in his capacity as Manger of AirExpress International. His involvement with the Freight Forwarding Association helped shape it up to greatness. He gave air freight and consolidation vitality with quality of service. He was an instrument in bonding the interests and cultures of our industry when it was in its infancy.
Lou Gosertman, we appreciate your contributions and dedication and your work among the pioneers of the industry.

Vernon M. Gray

 

 

 

 

 

 Mr. Gray started his airline career as a Sales Representative for the Flying Tiger Line, in Philadelphia, PA. He moved up the ranks to District Sales Manager in Philadelphia then was promoted to Manager of Import Sales in New York, N.Y. He joined TWA in 1962, and returned to the Flying Tiger Line in 1964.
In 1966, Mr. Gray joined Seaboard World Airline and opened an office on 36th Street, in Miami. In 1971, he joined Varig Brazilian Airlines in Miami. It was at this time that he realized that the Miami cargo people did not have a common ground and really did not know one another. Mr. Gray felt that they should be promoting the airlines along with the many advantages of the Miami Gateway. This was the start of the Miami Air Cargo Association thirty years ago.
Mr. Gray retired as Southeast Area Cargo Manager of Varig Airlines, in 1985.

Emilio Grenet