In 2026, the international vehicle shipping market has changed dramatically. Shippers aren't opening five browser tabs to find the lowest price anymore. They're asking a smarter question: Can I actually trust this company?

At Ghanem Forwarding LLC, we believe trust is earned through action — not marketing. Here's exactly how we've built that trust, and why it matters to you as a shipper.

1. We're FMC-Licensed — That's Federal Protection for Your Shipment
2. No Hidden Fees — Ever
3. Real-Time Tracking With the MyGhanem App
4. Real People Answer the Phone

If you ship vehicles from the United States to West Africa, you already know: summer is not a quiet season. It's the peak of RORO activity — roll-on/roll-off cargo vessels are loading at ports like Baltimore, New Jersey, and Houston at near-maximum capacity, moving cars, SUVs, trucks, and heavy equipment across the Atlantic. But with high volume comes high anxiety. Where is my vehicle? Did it make it onto the ship? When does it arrive?

That's exactly why Ghanem Forwarding LLC built the MyGhanem App. Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the MyGhanem App gives every customer real-time VIN tracking — right from their phone. Simply enter your VIN (last 6 digits minimum), and the app shows you your vehicle's status at every stage: port pickup, vessel loading, in-transit, and final delivery. No more calling the office. No more guessing. No more stress during the busiest shipping season of the year.

As RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) fleet capacity expands across major shipping routes from the USA to West Africa and the Middle East, more shippers are choosing their freight forwarder — but not always for the right reasons. Price matters. Speed matters. But the one thing that truly protects your money? FMC licensing. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating international ocean transportation. An FMC-licensed freight forwarder or NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) has met strict federal requirements — including background vetting, a published tariff, and mandatory financial responsibility bonds.

What does that mean for you as a shipper?
First, it means accountability. Licensed forwarders operate under the Shipping Act of 1984 and can face civil penalties for violations — giving you legal recourse if something goes wrong. Second, it means no hidden fees. Published tariffs ensure pricing transparency. Third, it means your money is protected by a financial bond — not just a promise. Unlicensed operators carry none of these obligations. Your vehicle — and your money — could move with zero federal protection.
 

In 2026, RORO shippers aren't just comparing prices. They're asking one key question: Can I trust this company with my vehicle?  At Ghanem Forwarding LLC, we built our answer into every part of how we operate — starting with our FMC license.

As an FMC-licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), Ghanem Forwarding operates under direct oversight of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. This means we meet federal compliance standards, maintain required bonding, and operate with accountability that unlicensed brokers simply cannot offer. When you ship with us, you're protected by federal regulation — not just a promise.

Uncertainty is the enemy of trust. That's why we built MyGhanem — the official mobile app of Ghanem Forwarding — so you can follow every step of your shipment from booking to delivery, right from your phone. Track your vehicle from the USA through its arrival at Lagos, Dakar, Jeddah, or Dubai. No phone calls needed. Just clarity.

Transparent shipping means clear booking confirmation, accurate export documentation prepared before vessel cut-off, and a real person available when you need answers. At Ghanem, we don't hide behind automated systems. We communicate proactively and keep your shipment on schedule.

If you export vehicles through Sallaum Lines, there is an important cost change heading your way. Effective July 1, 2026, Sallaum Lines has officially confirmed a $100 Forklift Fee increase across all Ports of Loading. The carrier cites continued increases in terminal handling and stevedoring expenses as the reason behind the adjustment.

A forklift fee applies when a vehicle must be loaded using a forklift rather than driven onto the vessel. This typically applies to non-running units, oversized vehicles, or cargo that cannot self-propel onto a RoRo ship. Previously, this was a standard line-item — but the $100 increase makes it a cost worth planning for.

Any shipper sending non-runner vehicles, motorcycles, or oversized cargo through a Sallaum Lines port will be impacted. This includes shipments from major US ports including Baltimore, Jacksonville, Freeport, and Davisville.

The smartest move right now is to book your shipments before July 1, 2026 to lock in current rates. Work with a freight forwarder who tracks these updates in real time — because missed notices mean unexpected invoice surprises.

Shipping a vehicle internationally used to mean long phone calls, confusing paperwork, and too many unknowns. Ghanem Forwarding LLC changed that. MyGhanem is the official mobile app of Ghanem Forwarding, a Baltimore, Maryland-based, FMC-licensed RORO specialist with years of experience shipping cars, trucks, vans, and heavy machinery from the USA to West Africa and the Middle East.

With MyGhanem, you can track your shipment in real time, get instant RORO shipping quotes, and stay updated on your vehicle's status — all from your phone. No calls required. No guessing. Just clarity.

Whether you're an individual shipping one car or a business coordinating multiple vehicles, the MyGhanem App is built for you. It simplifies every step of the RORO process — from Baltimore to Dakar, Lagos, Accra, Jeddah, and beyond.

The world of international vehicle shipping doesn't have to be complicated. With Ghanem Forwarding LLC behind you and the MyGhanem App in your pocket, you're always in control. Download MyGhanem on the App Store today and experience RORO shipping the smart way. 

In RORO shipping, timing, communication, and coordination are everything. From auction pickup to port delivery and vessel loading, every step requires attention to detail and quick response times. That’s where strong customer service makes the difference.

West Africa's freight landscape just got a meaningful upgrade. MSC — Mediterranean Shipping Company — has officially launched a weekly feeder service connecting Lekki, Nigeria, with Lomé, Togo, with the first vessel, M/V MSC Rabat IV, arriving at Lekki at the end of May 2026.

The new feeder loop runs in this rotation: Apapa → Tincan/Lagos → Lekki → Lomé → Apapa. This means shippers now have access to multiple Nigerian port entry points on a single weekly service — a significant improvement for cargo flexibility and transit planning.

Historically, Lekki Deep Sea Port has had limited direct deep-sea connectivity compared to the established Apapa and Tincan terminals in Lagos. With MSC's new feeder anchoring Lomé as a transhipment gateway, vehicles and cargo can now be routed through Lomé and delivered efficiently into Lekki — opening a less congested, modernized port option for importers and exporters.

In 2026, the vehicle export market has shifted. Customers no longer choose a freight forwarder based on price alone — they choose based on trust, transparency, and the ability to see the process in real time. At Ghanem Forwarding LLC, we've built our business on exactly that. From the moment a vehicle leaves an auction yard and arrives at the Port of Baltimore, our team manages every step — RORO booking, export documentation, port coordination, and live updates — so customers never have to wonder where their car is.

What Does Transparent Shipping Look Like? 

It means you receive a clear booking confirmation. It means your documents are prepared accurately, well before vessel cut-off. It means your VIN is tracked through our MyGhanem RORO App. It means you can reach a real person — not a bot — when you have questions.

Ghanem Forwarding LLC: FMC-Licensed, Customer-First
As an FMC-licensed NVOCC, we operate under U.S. Federal Maritime Commission oversight — giving shippers the compliance protection and operational standards that general forwarders cannot match.

If you're shipping a car, truck, or heavy equipment overseas for the first time, you've probably heard the term "RORO shipping" — but what does it actually mean, and is it the right choice for you? RORO stands for Roll-On, Roll-Off. It refers to a method of ocean freight where wheeled cargo — cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, bulldozers, tractors — is driven or towed directly onto a specialized vessel via a ramp at the origin port, and driven or rolled off at the destination port. Unlike container shipping, RORO requires no cranes and no boxing of the vehicle. The process is designed for speed, simplicity, and cost efficiency on high-demand trade lanes.

RORO shipping is typically more affordable than container shipping for single vehicles on established trade lanes. It offers faster terminal operations, lower handling risk, and straightforward port-to-port execution. It's the preferred method for vehicle exporters moving cargo from the U.S. to West Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Based in Halethorpe, MD, Ghanem Forwarding LLC is an FMC-licensed NVOCC and freight forwarder offering weekly RORO sailings from Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Freeport to destinations including Lagos, Cotonou, Tema, Dakar, Jeddah, Dubai, Beirut, Antwerp, and Bremerhaven. We handle booking, export documentation, port coordination, and customer support from start to finish.

When preparing a vehicle for RORO shipping, one requirement that often gets overlooked is disconnecting the battery. However, most RORO ports enforce this rule strictly for safety reasons, especially during vessel loading and transit.

The global RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping market is valued at $78.4 billion in 2026 and projected to reach $134.72 billion by 2035. With that kind of scale and growth, shippers who choose the wrong forwarding partner risk costly delays, compliance failures, and damaged cargo. The difference between a licensed RORO specialist and a general freight forwarder is not small — it's the difference between precision and guesswork. Ghanem Forwarding LLC is an FMC-licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) — a federally regulated designation that authorizes the company to issue bills of lading and act as a carrier intermediary in U.S. ocean trade. This is not a title every freight company holds. It requires demonstrated compliance with U.S. Federal Maritime Commission regulations, bonding requirements, and documented operational standards. A general forwarder may broker your shipment without this licensing — leaving your cargo and your business exposed.

When shippers work with a RORO specialist, they gain access to proven carrier relationships, port-specific knowledge, and compliance expertise that a general forwarder simply cannot match. In 2026's expanding market, the cost of choosing the wrong partner is higher than ever.

Spring was a strong season for RORO shipments, with steady demand moving vehicles, trucks, and rolling cargo through major U.S. gateways. As summer approaches, exporters are preparing for continued momentum—especially for West Africa lanes where consistent volume and scheduling matter most.

If you ship cars, trucks, or vehicles from the United States to Nigeria, there's important carrier news you need to know. MSC — Mediterranean Shipping Company — has officially announced a new weekly feeder service connecting Lekki Port in Nigeria to the West African hub of Lomé, Togo.

What Did MSC Announce? Effective May 30, 2026, MSC's vessel M/V MSC RABAT IV will begin sailing a dedicated feeder rotation that includes Lekki as a direct port call. The full rotation is: Apapa – Tincan/Lagos – Lekki – Lomé – Apapa. This is a weekly service, meaning vessels will call at Lekki on a regular, predictable schedule.

Why Does Lekki Port Matter? Lekki Deep Sea Port is Nigeria's newest and most modern port facility. Located east of Lagos, it was designed to reduce congestion at the legacy Apapa and Tincan terminals — two of West Africa's busiest but most congested ports. By adding a direct MSC feeder call, Lekki now becomes a viable discharge point for RORO and container cargo originating from the United States.

At Ghanem Forwarding, our success is built on strong relationships with customers across the globe. Every shipment, every booking, and every connection we make is part of a larger network of trust that spans continents.

Container shipping to Beirut, Lebanon requires more than just booking space — it takes proper coordination, documentation, and experience on the lane. From Baltimore and other U.S. ports, container shipments to Beirut must be handled carefully to ensure smooth export approval and safe delivery overseas.

Shipping vehicles from Baltimore, MD to Beirut, Lebanon using container service is one of the safest and most controlled export methods available. Containers provide full enclosure, protecting vehicles from weather, handling risks, and external exposure during transit across the Atlantic and into the Eastern Mediterranean.

Lomé, Togo continues to be a key RORO gateway to West Africa, offering efficient vessel operations and strong regional access. Shipping vehicles and trucks to Lomé by RORO is one of the most reliable and cost‑effective options for exporters moving cars, SUVs, trucks, and rolling equipment from the United States.

In Roll‑On/Roll‑Off (RORO) exports, a clean vehicle title is one of the most important documents in the shipping process. Ports, carriers, and U.S. Customs rely on the title to verify clear ownership and confirm that a vehicle is legally eligible for export.

In international shipping, the strongest results come from combining logistics expertise with direct carrier access. Freight forwarders focus on coordination, documentation, and customer support. NVOCCs focus on managing ocean space, carrier contracts, and sailing options.

An NVOCC (Non‑Vessel Operating Common Carrier) plays a direct role in the ocean‑shipping side of global trade. NVOCCs purchase space from vessel operators, manage container allocations, and issue their own bills of lading — acting as a carrier intermediary rather than just a booking agent.

A freight forwarder is your logistics partner — the company that manages the movement of cargo from seller to buyer across borders. From booking vessels and arranging transport to handling export documentation and customs coordination, a freight forwarder keeps complex shipments organized and on schedule.

Container shipping from Baltimore to Beirut is a preferred option for exporters seeking maximum protection and control when shipping vehicles. Using enclosed containers helps safeguard cars from weather, handling risks, and external exposure during transit — making it ideal for higher‑value vehicles and personal exports.

An NVOCC (Non‑Vessel Operating Common Carrier) is a licensed ocean transportation provider that works directly with vessel operators. Unlike a traditional freight forwarder, an NVOCC contracts space with ocean carriers, issues its own house bills of lading, and manages container allocations as a carrier intermediary.

Baltimore remains one of the most reliable U.S. gateways for container shipments to West Africa. With strong terminal infrastructure, efficient inland access, and consistent vessel connections, Baltimore supports steady container service to key West African ports including Lagos, Tema, Lomé, Dakar, and Cotonou.

When planning an international shipment, choosing between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less‑Than‑Container Load) is one of the first decisions a shipper must make. Both methods move cargo by container, but each offers different advantages depending on volume, budget, and urgency.

The development of RORO (Roll‑On/Roll‑Off) trade to West Africa spans decades and has grown into one of the most active vehicle‑shipping corridors in the world. In the 1970s and 1980s, early car‑carrier vessels began linking U.S. and European ports to key West African gateways. By the 1990s, Lagos (Nigeria) and Cotonou (Benin) emerged as dominant hubs due to strong demand for imported used vehicles.

For shippers moving vehicles and equipment across the Atlantic, ACL’s VIP RORO service stands out as one of the most dependable options available. ACL’s modern ConRO vessels combine RORO lanes with container capability, offering fast loading, secure handling, and consistent weekly schedules.

In the RORO shipping world, dispatch is the engine that keeps everything moving. From auction yards to port terminals, timing matters — and dispatch ensures every vehicle gets where it needs to go without delay. A strong dispatch team connects shippers, drivers, yards, and port operations so units arrive on time for cutoff and loading.

When exporting vehicles or equipment, shippers often compare RORO (Roll‑On/Roll‑Off) and Container Shipping. Each method offers unique advantages depending on the type of cargo, condition of the unit, and destination requirements.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the freight‑forwarding world faster than ever. From automation to predictive logistics, AI now plays a critical role in keeping cargo movements transparent, efficient, and customer‑friendly. The RORO sector especially benefits as shippers demand real‑time insights into vehicle location, port progress, and documentation.

Freeport, Texas continues to grow as one of the fastest‑expanding RORO and automotive logistics ports in the United States. Located between the major California auction markets and the East Coast RORO gateways, Freeport offers a convenient midpoint for shippers buying vehicles from Copart, IAA, and inland auto auctions. The port has seen record‑breaking increases in vehicle handling and is actively investing in larger capacity, upgraded infrastructure, and high‑heavy handling capabilities.

Why shippers consider Freeport a strong choice:
• Ideal location for units sourced from Western & Central U.S. auctions (CA, NV, AZ, TX)
• Port capacity expanding through major infrastructure upgrades and new cranes 
• Handles high‑heavy machinery through reinforced RORO ramps and modern equipment 
• Vehicle throughput rising dramatically — more than 162,000 units handled in a year 

Freeport is a growing Gulf Coast hub with increasing relevance for exporters moving cars, trucks, and heavy equipment to West Africa — and Ghanem is ready to coordinate your bookings every step of the way.

Ramadan 2026 is approaching, and many regions across West Africa and the Middle East are preparing for reduced business hours, slower processing times, and shifts in logistics activity. While RORO terminals in the United States remain fully operational, overseas destinations may experience lighter staffing, slower customs procedures, and adjusted vessel handling.

West Africa continues to see strong demand for heavy equipment imports, especially into Tema (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), and Dakar (Senegal). These ports offer smooth RORO operations, growing yard space, and reliable connections for construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery from the United States. When timing, coordination, and safe handling matter, these three gateways deliver consistent results.

Why Book with Ghanem:
• RORO & container options for all types of heavy machinery
• Full documentation + terminal coordination handled for you
• Reliable carrier space to Tema, Lagos & Dakar
• Fast communication and real‑time shipment updates

Move your equipment with confidence—Ghanem makes high‑heavy shipping simple.

The U.S. RORO industry continues to grow as vehicle trade, port infrastructure, and high‑heavy demand expand nationwide. Recent market analysis shows steady increases in RORO capacity, driven by rising auto exports, new vessel technology, and major port investments across North America. This growth is pushing more volume into truck corridors as vehicles purchased at auctions move inland toward departure ports. RORO cargo’s growth also increases the need for short‑haul and medium‑haul trucking legs that link auctions, storage yards, rail ramps, and outbound ports — tightening the relationship between RORO shipping and intermodal trucking. As ports expand their RORO and auto‑handling capabilities, truckers benefit from higher volumes, more consistent loads, and an increasing need for flexible pickup schedules. Meanwhile, shippers need reliable coordination to move vehicles from Copart, IAA, Mannheim, and independent yards to ports efficiently.

The U.S. used‑vehicle market remains one of the strongest global supply sources for RORO exports. Buyers around the world depend on U.S. auto auctions like Copart and IAA, where thousands of vehicles are sold daily. These platforms make it easier for shippers to source cars, SUVs, and trucks at volume, and RORO is the preferred export method thanks to simple loading and fast vessel turnarounds.

The Port of Baltimore is one of the most important RORO hubs in the United States. With its strong inland connections, specialized terminals, and frequent carrier schedules, thousands of cars, trucks, and machinery units move through Baltimore every week. For shippers exporting to West Africa and beyond, Baltimore offers fast processing, reliable cutoff times, and some of the most active RORO operations in the country.

Jacksonville’s port (JAXPORT) continues to grow as one of the strongest RORO gateways in the United States. With major expansion projects underway and steady investment in terminals, cranes, and auto‑processing facilities, Jacksonville is strengthening its position as a top hub for vehicle and machinery exports. Cargo activity at the port is rising each year, supported by major infrastructure upgrades and increased global trade connections. 

Dock receipts are one of the most critical documents in RoRo shipping. They confirm that your vehicle was properly delivered to the terminal, accepted by port staff, and entered into the carrier’s system. Without an accurate dock receipt, cargo cannot be loaded, tracked, or linked to a booking — creating delays, misrouting risks, and potential storage fees.

A freight forwarder is a logistics partner that manages the entire shipping process on behalf of customers — from booking cargo space to preparing documents, tracking shipments, and coordinating with carriers, ports, and customs authorities. Freight forwarders simplify complex global logistics so customers can ship with confidence. Ghanem Forwarding stands out as one of the best because we provide fast bookings, transparent communication, expert customer support, and seamless RoRo and container coordination. Whether shipping vehicles, high‑and‑heavy equipment, or commercial cargo, Ghanem handles every step with precision.

A significant snowstorm is impacting the Northeast, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. Baltimore is expected to see major snowfall and icy conditions, leading many RoRo terminals to close temporarily while they clear snow and ensure safe operations.

Grimaldi ACL now offers expanded VIP RoRo service from key U.S. ports — including Baltimore, Jacksonville, Freeport, and Providence — providing faster handling and higher‑tier care for automotive exports. As the official North American agent for Grimaldi’s West Africa routes, ACL ensures direct, reliable service to major ports such as Cotonou, Lagos, Lome, and Tema with efficient transit times.

The RoRo industry is entering a new technological era, with global carriers adopting digital booking tools, automated port systems, and real‑time vehicle tracking to speed up operations and reduce delays. Automation, AI‑driven logistics, and digitalized documentation are now key drivers of faster and more reliable RoRo shipping worldwide. Ghanem Forwarding is bringing these innovations directly to West Africa by offering customers faster RoRo booking, live cargo tracking, and streamlined communication for shipments to Cotonou, Lome, Lagos, and Tema.

West Africa’s ports, including Cotonou, Lome, Tema, Dakar and Lagos, are reporting record vehicle imports in early 2026. Demand for U.S. cars, SUVs, and heavy equipment is driving increased RoRo traffic, and carriers have added more sailings to keep up.