Image caption: Arthur Russell Savage, right, meets with Japanese Captain S. Hirose of the steamship Tatsuno Maruat, Port Tampa, 1934. SOURCE: A.R. Savage & Son.
A family-owned firm with roots back to the 1840s turns to a new chapter of growth.

The Tampa-based maritime company A.R. Savage Company LLC helped establish ocean shipping in Tampa Bay, with family roots in shipping dating back to before the U.S. Civil War. Now the family behind the company is celebrating 80 years of continuous family ownership and operations of their maritime company and is expanding with a new partnership to serve ports throughout the Americas from their headquarters in Tampa.

To recognize these many milestones, the company celebrating with clients, partners and friends on the evening of Wednesday, November 12 at the University Club. The company published a special edition booklet highlighting the history of the family business, which was given to everyone in attendance.

Following WWII, Arthur Russell Savage established his company initially as a ship agent and later as an ocean freight forwarder. When Arthur’s son, Bill, married Shirley McKay, the Savage family was now connected to the McKay family, who could trace its shipping roots to the 1840s in Tampa Bay. The family patriarch Captain James McKay Sr. proved in the 1840s commercial shipping could work in Tampa Bay, notably by shipping cattle from Florida to Cuba.

Now as a ship agent and ocean freight forwarder, its operating company A.R. Savage & Son is involved in nearly every step of an ocean-going freight vessel moving through ports such as Tampa. From logistics and compliance, berthing arrangements, arranging harbor pilots, fuel refills, mooring lines, warehousing, cargo loading/unloading, customs clearing, and caring for crews.

“Through the years of service at our company, we have maintained a steadfast devotion to our people and to quality service for our clients, and that has been the key to our long-term success.” said company President and CEO Arthur Savage. “What’s even more gratifying is that we are bringing in a fourth generation into the business with my son Billy.”

A new chapter for the company emerged in 2024. The Chilean-based shipping firm Agunsa USA invested in the operating companies, and the organizations are quickly expanding their connections to serve more ports around the world. That includes ports in Central America, South America, Asia and Europe.
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“These are thrilling times,” said William “Billy” Savage who joined the company in 2021 after completing military service in the Army. “New methods and new technologies are dramatically improving the shipping industry. Meanwhile, we expect our focus on service will be key in helping our clients navigate shifts around the world in how commerce is completed over our next 80 years and beyond.”

About the A.R. Savage organization
As the oldest ship agency, ocean freight forwarding, and maritime advisory services company on Florida’s west coast, A.R. Savage Company LLC provides superior services, quality, and value to ships that call on ports in Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, California and Louisiana. Based in Tampa, our family-owned-and-operated business has provided professional services to the domestic and international maritime trade community for four generations.