2026
Q2
The Bridge A Trailer Bridge Newsletter
Pictured left to right: Sal Pons, Kari Gomez, Lynette Delgado, Jacob Wegrzyn and Artemio Agosta
A LETTER FROM THE CEO
The Pitch that Didn’t Feel Like a Pitch The message wasn’t the lesson. The effort behind it was. Over the years, I’ve learned that the strongest business relationships rarely begin with a sales pitch. They begin with understanding. That lesson came to mind recently when I received an email from someone hoping to earn our business. Normally, that wouldn’t be particularly noteworthy. What caught my attention was the effort behind it. It was clear the sender had taken the time to learn about Trailer Bridge. The email referenced our recent business decisions, our history, and the market we serve. While I may not agree with every conclusion they reached, I was impressed by the preparation that went into the outreach. In a world increasingly optimized for speed, they demonstrated something far more valuable: curiosity. Today, we have more tools than ever to gather information. Artificial intelligence can summarize companies, analyze markets, and help us move faster than we thought possible just a few years ago. These technologies are creating real value, and we embrace many of them ourselves. But as impressive as these tools are, they cannot replace something fundamental: the human connection that allows us to truly know the people we serve. Speed has become a competitive advantage in many industries, including ours. Yet I sometimes wonder what gets lost when every interaction is optimized for efficiency. When we rush from one conversation to the next, do we take enough time to understand the challenges, goals, and priorities behind the transaction?
The way we work has changed, too. Video calls, remote work, and digital communication have made it easier than ever to stay connected, but not always to build connection. The strongest relationships still require time, presence, and genuine interest in the people on the other side of the screen. The best partnerships I’ve experienced, whether with customers, employees, or industry peers, were built on more than information. They were built on relationships. They were built by people who listened before they spoke, asked thoughtful questions, and invested the time to understand what mattered most. At Trailer Bridge, we’ve always believed transportation is a people business. Our vessels, trucks, technology, and systems are essential, but they are only tools that support the real work: helping customers solve problems and deliver the goods people need. Technology will continue to evolve, and so will we. But one principle remains unchanged: no innovation will ever replace the value of genuine human connection. It’s the foundation of trust, collaboration, and every lasting partnership. That email reminded me of something simple: every meaningful business relationship begins with human connection. Sometimes, a little extra time spent getting to know someone is the most valuable investment we can make.
Dry Docks Complete:
Normal Bi-Weekly Service Returns We are excited to return to our normal bi-weekly service to/from Puerto Rico following the completion of both of our RORO dry docks! This investment in our assets strengthens our ability to deliver dependable service and continued reliability for decades to come. Thank you to our President of Ocean, Tony Kvasnicka, for leading the charge to hit this important milestone, spending many weeks away from family. A special thank you to Director of Maintenance and Security JJ Mendez and Vessel Ops Team Lead Chris Hearn for supporting with this maintenance period in both Tampa and the Bahamas.
View the Most Up-to-Date Sailing Schedule
Pictured left to right: Chris Goss, Chad Yarbrough and Zach Monger
Breakbulk Europe: Moving the World Together. Our Government and International divisions recently put the brand on display at the 2026 Breakbulk Europe tradeshow in Rotterdam. This is the second year the team has had a physical presence at the show to connect with vendors, partners and potential customers. Chris Goss, Chad Yarborough and Zach Monger spent three days on the show floor engaging with attendees and sharing information about our wide range of services. The show booth, coordinated by Marketing Manager Kim O’Sullivan and designed by Creative Services Manager Michael Leary, embraced the World Cup theme inviting those who stopped by our booth to join ‘Team Trailer Bridge’. The team is still working on counting their wins from the show and quoting business for new prospects.
Learn more about what we heard
Supporting Critical Military Operations in Puerto Rico Trailer Bridge recently completed a military sealift operation in Puerto Rico under the U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) PORTS contract, providing port operations, cargo handling and vessel loading services at the Port of Ponce. The mission showcased the team’s ability to solve complex operational challenges while leveraging decades of expertise in the Puerto Rico trade lane to support critical military logistics. “The successful execution of this operation demonstrates Trailer Bridge’s ability to provide reliable port operations and transportation support wherever our military customers require it,” said Chris Goss, Vice President of Government and Projects. “This project allowed us to lean into our expertise in the Puerto Rico trade, leveraging relationships on the island to deliver the operational excellence and flexibility the mission demanded.”
Read More
TB Leaders Tapped as Speakers at Industry Events in Jax
This quarter two of our executive team members were asked to support industry events happening in Jacksonville. President of Ocean Tony Kvasnicka served as a panelist at the National Defense Transportation Association’s MIB Symposium discussion focused on innovation within the maritime industrial base and the role the private sectors plays in supporting the needs of our military and allies. Vice President, Marketing Whitney Ennis served as a panel moderator at the Ship Building Repair Conference hosted by Marine Log. She led a discussion around the role logistics plays in supporting the nation’s shipbuilding industry alongside leaders from companies throughout the US. These speaking engagements allow us to expose the Trailer Bridge brand to new audiences and position our team members as thought leaders within the industry.
Trailer Bridge’s Marketing Team
Recognized with National Award TB’s Marketing team has been honored with a 2026 Transportation Marketing & Sales Association Trailblazer Award for its “Chill Out. We’ve Got You Covered.” integrated marketing campaign. Designed to reconnect with customers during one of the industry’s most challenging freight markets, the campaign combined creative direct mail, digital engagement and sales collaboration to deliver measurable business results. It’s an exciting recognition of the innovative thinking happening across Trailer Bridge. “In today’s crowded marketplace, standing out requires more than putting your logo on another promotional item. We wanted to create something memorable and useful, something recipients would enjoy, keep, and talk about. By focusing on customer experience first, we were able to build stronger connections, generate meaningful engagement, and deliver real results for Trailer Bridge. We’re honored to be recognized by our industry peers for that work,” said Whitney Ennis, Vice President, Marketing.
Read what the judges had to say about the campaign
Muévelo.
Launching a New Sales & Marketing Campaign In June Trailer Bridge launched a new sales and marketing campaign focused on the rhythm of the Caribbean: Muévelo. The word, which means ‘move it’ in Spanish, is meant to inspire us all to go after the freight in the Caribbean market and win new business. Thanks to those of you who helped us create a TB-inspired playlist; these tunes are helping us engage with prospects and customers through email and social media. The campaign will run through the end of September, and has kept the sales team busy attending conferences, making cold calls and connecting with shippers. Here’s a few highlights from the campaign performance to-date: • 67+ New companies added to HubSpot • 91 New contacts connected to TB • 450+ Clicks to TB’s Website through Digital Advertising Check out these photos from three of the shows the team attended in June: ADOZONA in the DR, Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association and MIDA’s Food & Beverage Show. We will provide a full update in the Q3 Newsletter on how the campaign performed! Stay tuned.
Feel the Rhythm
And the Awa
The first part of 2026 has brought in several aw for service to those highlighting our commitmen Here’s a roundup of the awards our
Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health – 2026 Platinum Award
First Coast Worksite Wellness Council Healthiest Company Award - Platinum Category
We’re especially proud to have earned an overall score of 93%, including:
This is the 7th year TB has earned this award. Kacy Swanson, Vice President of Employee Services, shared this thought: “A people-first mindset isn’t a program, it’s a leadership philosophy. It starts with caring for our employees and creating an environment where they feel supported, connected, and able to thrive. This recognition is a reflection of that commitment.”
• 95% Workplace Culture • 98% Holistic Wellness at Work • 94% Caring Beyond Compliance
ard Goes to…
wards for Trailer Bridge; from industry awards nt to creating a healthy workplace for our team. r team has earned to date in 2026.
Florida Trend Best Companies to Work for in Florida 2026
Transportation Marketing & Sales Association Purpose Award
This is a NEW award for the company, and one made possible based on employee responses. Thank you for sharing your feedback and making TB a great place to work!
This award honors companies that go beyond the day-to-day responsibilities to make a meaningful impact on their communities. TB was recognized for its Rally initiative: Rally for Puerto Rico and Rally for Kate which have collectively raised more than $750,000 in support of their respective causes.
Here are a few of the Q2 recipients! Olivia Jones: “Olivia is like the Energizer Bunny - she keeps going and going. Late at night, early (like 3 am early) and on the weekends, Olivia is putting bids together to win business and support the US Forces. She never complains and always has a positive attitude despite the highly competitive WEXMAC program.” TB12: Be Passionate and Determined Connie Simmons: “Connie has made such a home for herself at TB and has had an amazing impact on the maintenance dept. The team knows they can go to Connie for any support needed and she shows she truly cares.” TB12: Deliver Exceptional Service to Everyone Alyssa Nash: “Alyssa has proven from day 1 to be a fast learner and gets the job done quickly and efficiently. I truly appreciate her hard work!”
TB Bucks Going the Extra Mile
Each month, you have the opportunity to recognize a teammate whose dedication, positivity, or support made a difference. Whether they made your day brighter, your workload lighter, or simply made the workplace better, send them a TB Buck and let them know their efforts matter!
Click here to submit a TB Buck today!
TB12: Be Fast and Accurate Nicky Rodgriguez: “Nicky is doing great and learning a lots of areas. Dedicated person and she is always pending to assist others.” TB12: Pursue Growth and Learning Mackenzie Laveck: “Mackenzie consistently goes above and beyond by digging into issues, asking the right questions, and refusing to settle for quick fixes. She has a talent for getting to the root cause of problems and seeing them through, ensuring they’re solved the right way. Her commitment to continuous improvement makes a real difference to the team every day. We appreciate everything you do!” TB12: Be Curious and Adventurous
Every Townhall we celebrate standout sales achievements from across Trailer Bridge! These highlights showcase the dedication and hard work of our team members as they continue to ‘Make it Happen’ every day.
CHECK OUT THE WINS FROM THIS QUARTER.
Kari Gomez
Carlos Cortes
Jose ‘Monti” Montalvo
Our sales shout out went to Kari Gomez, Team Lead, NVOCC Logistics, in April for her management of the Baxter account. This is just one of the accounts Kari leads, and it represents her commitment to excellence in supporting international freight movements from quote to final delivery. The Baxter account has a potential yearly revenue of approximately $1.3 million.
Carlos Cortes was spotlighted for sales excellence in May for closing a handful of accounts across service lines! Carlos closed business with USALCO, Comercia Cash & Carry, Industrias Feliciano, Miramar Brewing, AMI Trading, Kind Sun Initiative and more! He spends a lot of time making cold calls and visiting all parts of the island and his hard work is paying off.
In June we celebrated Jose ‘Monti’ Montalvo for his wins with accounts like Best Car Solutions & Transport, Genesis Motorhomes, Famma Events, R&B Power and more. Monti will be retiring from Trailer Bridge at the end of August 2026 – celebrating 9 years of ‘Making it Happen’.
A P R I L— J U LY
By the Numbers — Here’s What We Made Happen During Q2 2026 —
225 ACTIVE OCEAN CUSTOMERS
95% Average Utilization for RoRo
87%
Average Utilization for LoLo
875 4,131 POVs Moved
New Dealer Autos
22
13
We sailed 84 reefers on 6 slot charters with TOTE during the dry dock period
176
87
NEW HIRES
New Deals Added to HubSpot
Average Reefer Count per Sailing
deals listed as CLOSED WON
Know Someone Looking for a New Opportunity? If your referral is hired and completes 120 days of employment, you receive a $500 bonus! We’re always looking for great talent across TB Nation including: • Operations • Customer Support • Accounting & Finance • Maintenance & Skilled Trades • Corporate Roles Help us continue building a strong team by referring great people you know! To submit a referral or learn more, email Jasmine James at jjames@trailerbridge.com. *Directors and leadership are not eligible for the referral bonus.
Earn a $500 Employee Referral Bonus!
Jesus Mendez APRIL
Kevin “Be Slee
MA
eaudroux” eth
AY
Rich Schappert JUNE
Around TB Nation! Celebrating the Moments Big & Small.
A few of our team members attended the Jacksonville Propeller Club’s Maritime Day Celebration to honor the work of mariners, remember those who’ve lost their life at sea and to network with others in our industry. Pictured left to right: Kacy Swanson, Jasmine James, Charlene Salcedo and Whitney Ennis
The Support Services team recently took to the bowling lanes to connect and celebrate a job well done. This is one of the largest teams within TB Nation responsible for ensuring all documentation is correct for our customer’s cargo. Thank you for all you do, team!
The TB Port Ops team recently went the extra mile to ‘Make it Happen’ for generators moving from PR back to Jacksonville. The San Juan Jax RORO sailed to Ponce where it was docked to load three oversized generators on the first deck. The project, completed in partnership with ATS, required close coordination between all teams to ensure safe operations and a quick turn to maintain our schedule.
Trailer Bridge opened its doors to support Big Sea Day, an event hosted by the Jacksonville Propeller Club to expose college students to the daily operations of the transportation and logistics industry. The group, made up of students from UNF and Keiser University, enjoyed a port tour of our operations and then a panel discussion with leaders from within TB. Thank you to Zach Monger, Jasmine James and Adela Hysaj for sharing your expertise and time with the students!
After nearly a decade of ‘Making it Happen’ for shippers, Monti is retiring! Members of the Puerto Rico sales team took him to lunch to celebrate ahead of his official retirement date at the end of August. Thank you, Monti, for being a valued member of our team, we wish you well in this next chapter of your life.
The TB Family is Growing! Join us in congratulating two of our colleagues on growing their families!
TB’s Creative Services Manager Michael Leary and wife Amanda welcomed their first daughter Gabriella Maria into the world on March 21. Miss G sometimes makes appearances during Marketing’s weekly check-in calls and gives our work a quick review. Join us in congratulating Michael and Amanda!
TB’s Intermodal Planner and Dispatcher Morgan Cox and husband Earl Johnson welcomed their first daughter, Amelia Johnson, into the world on June 1. Momma and baby girl are doing well; Miss Amelia recently made a quick appearance in truck ops and was adored by all. Congratulations, Morgan and Earl!
SAVE THE DATE!
Celebrating Dreamer Jonathan!
The 9th Annual Dreams Come True 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will happen Saturday, September 19 at UNF. Join in the fun as a volunteer or runner; more details to come.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Dreamer Jonathan! To honor his dream of going to Disney via train, the team decorated the room with travel décor including flags from countries around the world. Jonathan had fun naming each of the flags for us.
UPCOMING EVENTS July 24 Movie & Popcorn Enjoy a movie with fresh popcorn on the main floor.
July 29 Onboarding + Ice Cream Social Join us after onboarding to welcome and meet our newest team members.
August 7 Back-to-School Kickoff Breakfast & Fun Employees are invited to bring their kids for breakfast, activities, and a fun start to the new school year.
September 7 Labor Day Offices Closed
September 9 Kickoff to Football Season
September 14–18 Driver Appreciation Week See a driver, thank a driver.
The Marketing Team wants your feedback, suggestions or stories for next month’s Bridge please send to @Group–Marketing
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