CaroTrans, a leading global non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) and ocean freight consolidator started a new, direct, biweekly less-than-containerload (LCL) export service between Miami and Manaus, Brazil, on November 29th.

Miami serves as a strategic consolidations hub for freight originating from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Europe, and the U.S. to Manaus.

Manaus, in northwestern Brazil, is located on the Negro River 900 miles inland from the Atlantic Coast.  This growing, remote port city, with a population of 2.5 million, is a major commercial center and is the main transport hub for the entire upper Amazon Basin.

In 1957, a Foreign Trade Zone was established in Manaus to incent development in the region through major tax exemptions and other economic incentives.  Today, Manaus is home to an array of commercial and industrial parks including 600 businesses, many, such as Nokia, Panasonic, LG, Microsoft, Sony, Pioneer and PhilCo, in the electronics sector.

Craft Multimodal, a global leader in NVOCC services in South America and longstanding CaroTrans partner, provides local transportation and deconsolidation services at destination. The CaroTrans-Craft end-to-end service network includes over 40 direct LCL services between North and South America.

“Our dedicated Miami team is committed to delivering the highest level of freight management services for cargo moving to Manaus, an important trade market dependent on reliable waterborne transportation services,” said Greg Howard, CEO of CaroTrans. “We deliver timely and efficient cargo handling to ensure our customers achieve reliable, supply chain performance.”

“CaroTrans’ comprehensive North American network of local container freight stations and offices delivers the coverage and expertise that allows us to deliver outstanding, end-to-end transportation solutions to our customers,” said Marcellus Hansford, president of Craft Multimodal.