CaroTrans, a leading global non-vessel operating common carrier and ocean freight consolidator, announced a new, direct Hamburg, Germany to Detroit, Michigan LCL import service with a 16 day transit time.

CaroTrans launches this service with its longstanding partner Fair Trade, a leading global NVOCC in Germany and partner over 15 years. Established in 1992, Fair Trade offers 175 direct weekly export and import groupage services worldwide.

The first sailing for the new service was March 5. Automotive parts and accessories and other industrial products are major imports on this trade.

CaroTrans has a total of 13 direct, weekly LCL import and export services between the U.S. and Germany. This new connection is the first direct service to Detroit from Europe. Logistics providers and their shipper customers increasingly require global service options for greater supply chain flexibility and to meet challenging market conditions.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our service portfolio to address market demand so our customers have the transportation solutions they need to meet their customers’ supply chain requirements,” said Greg Howard, CaroTrans, CEO. “With Fair Trade, we deliver reliable, time-sensitive LCL services to support trade between the U.S. and Germany.”

“We’re pleased to be expanding our cooperation with CaroTrans,” said Nina Berninghausen, managing director of Fair Trade. “Together, we offer a wide-range of direct sailings between Hamburg and Bremerhaven and New York, Chicago, Charleston, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, and now Detroit.”

CaroTrans serves U.S. markets with its comprehensive network of local container freight stations and 13 offices nationwide. Shipments for this service will be handled by the CaroTrans Cleveland office.