A.R. Savage and Son

A.R. Savage and Son is a third-generation, family-owned maritime services company based in Tampa, Florida. The firm is known as the longest continually owned Florida ship agency operated by its original owners and founding family.

The company focuses on providing expert, reliable and responsive support to the ocean shipping industry, with a strong emphasis on real-time port information, professional ship agency services and rigorous commitment to customer service.

Our history and legacy

• 1945 – A.R. Savage Company is founded by Arthur Russell Savage, a former Vice President of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. He becomes a lead shipping agent on Florida's west coast.
• 1955 – Arthur's son, William Savage, expands the company's services to include ocean freight forwarding and stevedoring at Port of Tampa cargo berths.
• 1982 – Shirley Savage Knight takes over leadership and guides the company toward container handling services.
• 1984 onward – Arthur R. Savage, the founder's grandson, joins the business and diversifies it into container yards, intermodal trucking and high-speed passenger vessels. He also introduces the "topping-off" technique for loading deep-draft, dry-bulk cargo.

Today, A.R. Savage and Son continues to build on this legacy, combining deep local knowledge of the Ports of Tampa Bay with experience in a wide range of maritime operations.

Leadership

Arthur R. Savage serves as President and CEO and is a fifth-generation Tampa native. He is active in local, national and international maritime organizations and serves as Honorary Consul for Denmark and Norway.

The team emphasizes experience, professionalism and results-oriented service for ship owners, operators and cargo clients.

The team has particular experience with:

• Fertilizers
• Phosphates
• Limestone

Types of cargo handled

A.R. Savage and Son coordinates shipments for:

• Dry bulk cargo
• Liquid cargo
• Break bulk cargo

Logistics coordination and documentation

For cargo movements, A.R. Savage and Son can coordinate logistics among ship owners, charterers, and cargo shippers and receivers, including:

• Completing required documentation such as the statement of facts, bill of lading, ship manifest, certificate of origin, stowage plan and mates' and masters' receipts.
• Coordinating cargo surveys to verify that cargo meets weight, quality and cleanliness requirements set by the cargo receiver.

Throughout the voyage and port stay, the team keeps clients informed of daily vessel movements so they have visibility into the status of their cargo.

Advisory services

As one of the longest-standing maritime services organizations in Tampa Bay, A.R. Savage and Son offers advisory services based on deep knowledge of the ports and the wider maritime industry.

Advisory capabilities described on the website include:

• Input on channel deepening, widening and maintenance, and advice on navigational aids for ships entering and leaving ports.
• Guidance on terminal and dock development and modifications aimed at improving productivity for ships in port.
• Advice on vessel movement, port protocol and operational policy.
• Information on government rules and regulations affecting vessels, port terminals and cargo issues.
• Developing alternative cargo handling methods to help maximize carrying capacity.
• Cargo logistics analysis to identify efficient and economical methods of cargo movement.
• Helping clients identify appropriate vendors and partners to create synergies and increase efficiencies.

A.R. Savage and Son has also lobbied on behalf of clients on state, local and federal issues related to maritime activity.

Professional consulting services

In addition to advisory work, A.R. Savage and Son offers broader professional services for maritime shipping clients. Service areas described include:

• Port particulars and localized operational knowledge.
• Support around legal and regulatory compliance requirements for maritime operations.
• Technology-related consulting.
• Weather and tide information relevant to port calls and vessel movements.

These services are designed to support clients' growth, compliance and operational goals so they can focus on running their maritime businesses.

Overview

A.R. Savage and Son provides full-service ship agency support with more than 70 years of experience in the ports of Tampa Bay. The company uses a state-of-the-art Port Call System and real-time port data to manage vessel port calls efficiently and safely.

Scope of ship agency services

A.R. Savage and Son can act as the ship agent of choice for vessels calling at Tampa Bay and other ports, arranging the logistics and compliance steps needed for a smooth call, including:

• Advising on current port conditions such as tides, channel drafts and terminal or berth particulars.
• Preparing and submitting required documentation, such as electronic notices of arrival and departure, shipping manifests, stowage plans and bills of lading.
• Coordinating services with key vendors, including tugboats, pilots, line handlers, stevedores and other marine service providers.
• Working with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Port Authorities to help ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Coordinating with government officials to check ship, crew and cargo for foreign arrivals, as required.

Support for captains and crews

Ship agents at A.R. Savage and Son also focus on the needs of the captain and crew. The team can:

• Coordinate repairs and other services while the vessel is in port.
• Maintain and update security-required gate lists to ensure appropriate access to the port and terminal.

Documentation and cargo interface

Because A.R. Savage and Son is bonded and insured to work with importers and exporters, the company can:

• Arrange for ships to be loaded or unloaded.
• Document cargo shipments in accordance with ocean shipping requirements.

The goal of these services is to help vessels achieve fast, efficient and cost-effective port turnaround with high visibility for owners, operators and cargo interests.

Phone and fax

• Main office / operations: 813.247.4550
• Operations line (listed): 813.247.4550
• Administration: 813.247.4432
• Fax: 813.247.5420

Email contacts

• General inquiries: info@arsavage.com
• Operations: savship@arsavage.com
• Accounting: accounting@arsavage.com
• Administration: admin@arsavage.com
• Consulate: consulate@arsavage.com

Online contact form

The website provides an online contact form for:

• General company inquiries
• Questions about a ship's status
• Requests for estimates
• Vendor program questions
• Billing and payments
• Advisory and consulting service inquiries
• Consulate services inquiries

Customers can submit their name, email address, ZIP code and comments; phone number is optional.

Ports and regions served

According to the website, A.R. Savage and Son:

• Is strategically headquartered on Florida's west coast.
• Has extensive experience in the Ports of Tampa Bay.
• Provides services at ports in the United States, the Caribbean and South America.

For details about support at a specific port or region, customers should contact the company directly using the details above.

The website describes A.R. Savage and Son as a place that is always interested in top talent and in helping people accelerate their careers in the maritime industry.

Current roles mentioned on the website

At the time this information was added, the website lists examples of career opportunities, including:

• Customer Service Representative
• Maritime Ship Boarding Agent

Specific openings, requirements and availability may change over time, and the website should be consulted for the most up-to-date listings.

How to inquire or apply

Prospective candidates are encouraged to:

• Use the online contact form on the website, selecting the appropriate topic for career opportunities.
• Provide their contact details and any relevant information about their background and interests.

The company's team reviews inquiries and contacts suitable candidates directly regarding next steps in the hiring process.

Services and scope

The website notes that consular services are available for:

• Passports
• Visas
• Permits

All consular services are provided by appointment only.

Contact points

The website lists the following consular contact path:

• Consulate email (general): consulate@arsavage.com

In addition, the website provides links to contact the Honorary Royal Norwegian and Danish Consulates and to important related resources. Clients seeking consular assistance should use the consulate contact details and follow any instructions provided when scheduling an appointment.

The consular services described are specific to Norway and Denmark; they are distinct from the company's commercial maritime service offerings.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.