New Jersey's CaroTrans, a global NVOCC and ocean freight consolidator, has opened a new branch at Le Havre, following its recent opening in Seattle, according to the Shipping Gazette. 
The Le Havre office will serve as a European gateway for full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) services to and from points in the US, Asia, Middle East, South America and Canada. The location will also act as a platform for freight moving to West Africa from these regions.
Initially, the new office will support FCL and LCL exports from the US, with exports from France to the US soon to follow, it said.
The company also plans to establish container freight stations in Paris and Lyon to serve local shippers with secure, expedited services. For inland moves throughout France and Europe, the company has created a door-to-door distribution network.
"We are committed to strengthening our presence in Europe with strategically placed branches in key markets," said Greg Howard, global CEO, who added that offices in Paris and Marseilles were likely to follow.