They received the Maritime Industry Salute Award, which annually honors individuals and organizations that make “significant contributions to the welfare of seafarers visiting the San Pedro Bay ports.” This year’s award, presented aboard the USS IOWA, highlighted PHL’s ongoing support for the mission of the International Seafarers Center, which is described as providing “essential services and a home-away-from-home for mariners from around the world.”
Since 1998, Anacostia Rail Holdings subsidiary PHL has served as the neutral S&T (switching and terminal) operator for the on-dock rail network serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; it connects the port terminals to the national rail network, through Class I railroads BNSF and Union Pacific (UP).
“Every day, a complex dance of global commerce unfolds in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach,” the International Seafarers Center of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles reported in a notice about the award. “At the heart of this vital operation is an often-unseen giant. As the ‘freight rail lifeline for Southern California,’ PHL is a critical North American link in the worldwide supply chain. The railroad is an environmental leader, whose operations keep more than two million trucks off our highways each year , and it is a pioneer in clean air technology with its fleet of low-emission locomotives. This year, we are thrilled to honor this incredible company and its distinguished President, Otis Cliatt II. A decorated U.S. Army combat veteran awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Desert Storm, Otis brings over two decades of railroad industry experience and focused dedication to his role. Under his leadership, PHL was recently the recipient of the Bob Kleist Leadership Award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce—a well-deserved recognition of their excellence. Beyond his impressive professional achievements, we have personally experienced Otis’s incredible kindness and generous spirit, especially in his support of our Chairman of the Board, Guy Fox. It is our distinct honor to celebrate him and the indispensable work of his team at Pacific Harbor Line.”
“Mr. Otis Cliatt and Pacific Harbor Line were selected for this honor because of their unwavering commitment to supporting the maritime community, from ensuring the safety and well-being of seafarers, to fostering strong connections with local workers and residents,” Guy Fox said.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the International Seafarers Center at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,” Cliatt II said. “This award is a testament to the entire PHL team’s commitment to operational excellence and, most importantly, to supporting the seafarers who are the lifeblood of global trade.”
In related news, PHL recently earned an award for “exceptional leadership in the development and promotion of global trade in Southern California” from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
