The Hofmann Maritime Legacy
Four Generations of Maritime Excellence
The Hofmann legacy is deeply rooted in maritime tradition, spanning over a century of dedication to the sea and global commerce. What began in the early 1900s with Hans Martin Hofmann as a German Merchant Marine Captain has evolved into four generations of maritime expertise that form the very foundation of HYH International Cargo Service today.
A Legacy Built on the Water
Hans Martin Hofmann navigated the world's oceans as a German Merchant Marine Captain in the early 1900s, establishing a family tradition of maritime excellence that would span generations. His son, Hans Werner Hofmann, followed in his father's wake, becoming a second-generation Merchant Marine Captain and deepening the family's connection to global shipping and maritime commerce.
The third generation brought new horizons when Hans Gerd Hofmann served with distinction in the German Navy before making the pivotal decision to pursue U.S. citizenship and entrepreneurship. In the early 1980s, Hans Gerd and his life partner, Yolanda Hofmann, founded HYH International Cargo Services, transforming decades of maritime knowledge into a thriving freight forwarding business built on the foundation of maritime tradition.
Passing the Helm to the Future
In 2025, after over four decades of building HYH into a trusted name in specialized cargo and freight forwarding, Hans Gerd and Yolanda Hofmann retired, passing the helm to the fourth generation. Hans "Christian" Hofmann now leads HYH into the future, carrying forward the excellent foundation of maritime history while embracing modern logistics technology and innovation.
Under Christian's leadership, HYH continues to honor its maritime roots while expanding capabilities in heavy haul, oversized cargo, and specialized freight forwarding. The transition represents not just a change in leadership but a commitment to preserving the values that have defined the Hofmann family for over a century.
Values That Endure
This extraordinary family legacy stands as a testament to the fact that commitment, accountability, and loyalty are what make HYH a business that many seek to partner with. From the bridge of a merchant vessel to the coordination of complex International shipments, the Hofmann family has always understood that trust, expertise, and unwavering dedication are the cornerstones of lasting business relationships.
Today, when you partner with HYH International Cargo Service, you're not just working with a freight forwarder—you're connecting with four generations of maritime excellence, a century of global trade expertise, and a family legacy that treats every shipment with the same care and precision that has guided the Hofmann family through calm seas and stormy waters alike.
“The Hofmann Legacy continues—four generations strong and sailing toward the future.”