About Us

Welcome to CETL – the Center of Excellence for Transportation & Logistics, where innovation meets expertise in shaping the future of mobility and supply chain management. Established with a commitment to advancing research and best practices, CETL serves as a dynamic hub for professionals, academics, and industry leaders dedicated to revolutionizing transportation and logistics systems.

The Center of Excellence for Transportation & Logistics (CETL) was created in January 2025 from a MOU between University of Puerto Rico –Mayagüez and Saltchuk Resources. The creation of the CETL included a 10-year $10MM investment from Saltchuk to advance talent and innovation in the transportation and logistics (T&L) community to promote economic development in Puerto Rico. The three pillars of the CETL are talent, innovation and industry engagement. Besides the economic investment, Saltchuk and its subsidiaries operating in Puerto Rico (Tote, Tropical, Strat Air, Aqua Gulf, and Puerto Rico Terminals) designed a world-class advisory board and share valuable information and expertise with the CETL.

The CETL is led by Dr. Héctor J. Carlo, professor of industrial engineering and internationally recognized logistics expert.

At CETL, we believe that efficient, sustainable transportation and innovative logistics solutions are critical to global progress. Our interdisciplinary team works collaboratively to explore emerging trends, develop cutting-edge technologies, and create impactful strategies that drive industry transformation. Through rigorous research, hands-on projects, and strategic partnerships, we strive to set new standards in the way goods and people move across the world.

Whether you are a prospective partner, a student eager to learn, or a professional looking to stay ahead of industry developments, CETL is your gateway to a world of forward-thinking solutions and collaborative innovation. Join us as we pave the way for a smarter, more connected future in transportation and logistics.

Students at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) are encouraged to pursue their academic passions while aligning their skills with the demands of the logistics sector—a dynamic, transdisciplinary industry offering robust career opportunities. Completing a minor in Transportation & Logistics (T&L) provides valuable exposure to applied knowledge and practical tools relevant across multiple industries. Enrollment in the CETL mailing list ensures timely updates on relevant academic and professional developments.

The CETL is leading efforts to modernize and transform Puerto Rico’s transportation and logistics landscape. Corporate partners play a critical role in this transformation by hosting students, providing industry insights, collaborating on federally aligned initiatives, commissioning research, and participating in conferences and workforce training. Membership in CETL signals a commitment to leadership, innovation, and strategic development in the logistics sector.

Faculty across disciplines are invited to collaborate with the Center for Excellence in Transportation & Logistics (CETL) to expand the impact of their expertise. CETL serves as a bridge between academia and industry, facilitating applied research initiatives and industry engagement. Affiliated faculty members benefit from opportunities to contribute to transformative projects and to influence innovation in Puerto Rico’s logistics ecosystem.

Public-sector collaboration is a key focus area for CETL, with active engagements already in place across multiple agencies. The center is positioned to support evidence-based policy development, infrastructure planning, and operational efficiency improvements within the T&L sector. Agencies interested in leveraging academic and technical expertise for public benefit are encouraged to initiate a dialogue.