CaroTrans, the non-vessel operating common carrier and ocean freight consolidator, has expanded its less-than-containerload and full-containerload services between the U.S. and France, with the addition of a direct, weekly New York-Marseilles service.

Matt Menner, senior vice president of strategic account management with Transplace, examines four macro trends affecting transportation: capacity, human capital, carrier-shipper relations and information technology.

Bamboo is now being utilized in container floors as the rail and intermodal industry continues its drive to improve the environmental and economic efficiency of its operations. A report by the Container Owner's Association has found that the production volume of containers fitted with floors using materials other than the traditional tropical hardwood plywood has gradually risen over the past two years.

CaroTrans International, a non-vessel operating common carrier and ocean freight consolidator, has launched a weekly less-than-containerload export service from Le Havre, France to Houston.

China's National Development and Reform Commission has announced that freight rates on the new 179-kilometer Zhunchi Railway, which is due to open in June, will be determined by the carrier, its clients and investors.

XPO Logistics Inc. has completed its acquisition of Pacer International Inc.