Off list someone suggested using 'env -i make package' and that worked. That solves my immediate problem. I'm using ESXi so I can easily create new systems for testing, etc.. I did a fresh install from install48.iso and a downloaded ports.tar.gz file. I then 'ssh r...@host' to connect and the problem shows up. I'm saying that something in the default environment for the root user is causing the problem. I'll see if I can figure out what exactly.
-Chad