From Port to Press
Follow along for the latest updates from our ports.
Dear Valued West African RORO Shippers,
We want to inform you of upcoming rate adjustments from our carrier partners, effective November 1, 2025. Both Grimaldi ACL and Sallaum Line have announced a $150 increase per RORO booking. Ghanem rates will be updated to reflect these changes as passthrough charges — with no additional margin added. We remain committed to transparency and fairness in our pricing.
Updated NRA agreements will be issued shortly, featuring discounted rates honored.
For further details, you may refer to the official USTR 301 announcement here: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/2025/301%20Ships%20Action%20Mod%20FRN.pdf
We appreciate your continued partnership and are here to support you through these changes. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Per Sallaum: “Please note the below announcement replaces our prior USTR 301 Rate Increase Announcement dated October 9th, 2025. … To ensure the continuity of our service without disruption, Sallaum Lines will implement a rate increase through service contract amendment as follows:
+ $150 per unit for all Automobiles and Vehicles
+ $10 per CBM for High and Heavy - Cat 1 and Cat 2
+ $10 per CBM for all Static Cargo”
*Effective November 1st, 2025
Per ACL. “there have been some amendments in the USTR 301 rules related to new service fees on maritime transport services starting today, October 14, 2025 (USTR 301). The new fee has been increased up to 46$ per NT whilst in the previous communication it was at 14$ per NT. This applies to all vehicles / roro vessel entering USA as from today.
The new impact for Grimaldi Lines, especially for calendar year 2025, is much heavier than what was anticipated. According to our calculations, to compensate part of the impact of this levy, all cargo bound to the US and export from the US worldwide, (except US export to West Africa) must be subject to a surcharge equal to $18 per w/m. For containers, surcharge is $100 per TEU. … For easy reference pls visit https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/2025/301%20Ships%20Action%20Mod%20FRN.pdf “
Please note per ACL. “there have been some amendments in the USTR 301 rules related to new service fees on maritime transport services starting today, October 14, 2025 (USTR 301). The new fee has been increased up to 46$ per NT whilst in the previous communication it was at 14$ per NT. This applies to all vehicles / roro vessel entering USA as from today.
The new impact for Grimaldi Lines especially for calendar year 2025 is much heavier than what was anticipated.To compensate part of this extra cost, specifically for cargo in export from USA to WEST AFRICA, we have no other option than to review our increase on our Freight Rates for service contracts starting Nov 1st as follows, which replaces, when applicable, what was sent as per below on 10/8.+ $ 150/ Unit for Cv – Bvan+ $ 10 per w/m for HH Cat 1 and Cat 2+ $ 10 per w/m for Static cargo+ $100$ per teu”Per Sallaum, “Starting on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, Sallaum Lines will open receiving operations at Baltimore Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal at Sparrows Point for the below mobility types:
-Running, Non-Running, and Forklift POV / Running and Non-Running Rubber Wheeled High & Heavy Trucks / Tradepoint will not accept tracked High & Heavy cargo at this time.
APS Stevedoring – 6000 Canal St, Sparrows Point, MD 21219
Hours (Mon-Fri): 8:00AM – 3:30PM / Lunch: 12:00PM - 1:00PM / Telephone: 443.586.6523
All cargo MUST be delivered with the appropriate titles and documentation for immediate Customs submission and clearance. Agents will be responsible for all storage and fees to remove any cargo that is not cleared in a timely manner. NO EXCEPTIONS.”
Please note per Sallaum: “Please be advised that, effective October 14th, 2025, the United States government will introduce new service surcharges applicable to all RORO vessels entering U.S. waters. To ensure the continuity of our service without disruption, Sallaum Lines will implement a rate increase on all cargo deliveries made on or after Monday, November 10th, 2025. The increase will be as follows:
- + $50 per unit for all Automobiles and Vehicles
- + $5 per CBM for High and Heavy - Cat 1 and Cat 2
- + $5 per CBM for all Static Cargo"
Please note per ACL. “Please note that this only applies to the Grimaldi West African Service. As you may well be aware, the United States will begin imposing new service fees on maritime transport services starting October 14, 2025 (USTR 301). RORO vessel entering US waters will be charged 14$ per Net ton. Grimaldi Group is committed to keep the impact of those costs to its minimal; however, after careful consideration, in order to offset part of this extra cost, we are obliged to increase our Freight Rates starting Nov 1st as follows.
+ $ 100/TEU for containers
+ $ 50/ Unit for Cv – Bvan
+ $ 5 per Cbm for HH Cat 1 and Cat 2
+ $ 5 per Cbm for Static cargo”
Please note important update per Sallaum Line.
“Please be advised that Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and other high-value luxury vehicles do not have the ability to make new keys in West Africa. For this reason, Sallaum Lines strongly advises all customers to always maintain a second copy of keys for all high-value luxury vehicles before shipping. Sallaum Lines will not be responsible for providing or making replacement keys for Mercedes Benz units. In recent months, some new model Mercedes Benz have had to be shipped back to their original US loading port to issue a new key.
-To avoid this risk at destination, we suggest customers refrain from shipping such vehicles unless they have:
- A second copy of the key
- A spare key available to DHL directly to their consignee at destination.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Per ACL, “Please note that Grimaldi will be switching terminal operators in Wilmington from TransCargo to Enstructure. Last day of receiving at TransCargo will be Friday October 10th. First day of receiving at Enstructure will be Monday October 13th.
Terminal Address: 1 Hausel Road, Wilmington, DE 19801Receiving Hours: Monday – Friday 0800 – 1600 (Closed 1200 – 100 for lunch)All drivers delivering cargo must have valid driver’s license or CDL to be able to access terminal. TWIC IS NOT REQUIRED.”Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, please be advised of below Terminal Status for Columbus Day - Monday, October 13:
Open: Freeport, Jacksonville
Closed: Baltimore, Davisville-Norad
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL: “please note below October 2025 NA Terminal Closings, Monday, October 13, 2025 – Columbus Day”
CLOSED: Providence, Baltimore (Seagirt and Dundalk)
OPEN: Wilmington, Jacksonville, Freeport Amports
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum: “Please be advised that we have reached capacity with respect to Forklift space at our Freeport Terminal. Effective Monday, September 29th, 2025, Freeport Terminal will not accept any Forklift deliveries until further notice. No Exceptions.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Per ACL, “Please be advised that effective immediately, we will no longer accept vehicles without titles in the port of Wilmington, DE. No exceptions.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
“Please be advised that receiving for non-runners and forklift units will close in Wilmington at the end of the day 9/16. Expected to reopen once space is cleared by the next vessel.”Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Please note per carriers for Friday, September 12th, Defender's Day:
-ACL Grimaldi Baltimore Dundalk will be CLOSED. Baltimore Seagirt LoLo remains OPEN.
-Sallaum Line South Baltimore Locust Point Terminal will be CLOSED
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, the Baltimore Dundalk RORO and Seagirt Terminals will be closed on September 12, 2025 in observance of Defender’s Day.
Ghanem Office will remain open for normal business hours.
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum “Please be advised the Freeport Terminal will resume accepting Forklift deliveries as of Wednesday, August 27th, 2025.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Our Baltimore Office and All RORO Ports will be closed next Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. Please email any Dock Receipts / Booking Requests to docs@gforwarding.com and we will handle them as soon as possible. We wish all our customers, agents, vendors, families and friends a safe and fun holiday weekend! Happy Labor Day!
Please note with high importance, per ACL: “Regarding a fire incident which occurred on terminal at TransCargo Auto Port, effective Monday August 11th, the terminal operator will no longer allow COPOART Titled to be received as runner or non-runner units. These COPART Titled units will only be allowed to be received as forklift cargo only with battery needing to be removed prior to delivery. This change in policy is a terminal operator rule change. For clarification, the terminal is referring to titles where COPART is listed as owner on the title. We have also reattached Grimaldi receiving guidelines for your review. To avoid issues at time of delivery, please make sure units that are being delivered are correctly booked to the correct classification type of runner, non-runner, or forklift based off the TransCargo and Grimaldi receiving guidelines.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, “Davisville - NORAD terminal will be closed for receiving on Monday, August 11, 2025 in observance of Victory Day.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Jacksonville Amports terminal receiving will reopen on Friday August 1st for Receiving of FORKLIFTS.”
Please note and advise your drivers according. Per ACL, Providence RORO Port will be CLOSED August 11 for Victory Day. All other US Ports are scheduled to stay open.
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, “Jacksonville Terminal will resume accepting Forklifts as of Thursday, July 31st, 2025.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Wilmington Port has reopened for accepting FORKLIFTs and NON-RUNNERs and will begin receiving today, July 23rd.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Jacksonville Amports terminal will be closed for Forklift receiving from Tuesday, July 22nd until further notice. They have reached max capacity.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, “reached capacity with respect to Forklift space at our Jacksonville Terminal. Effective Monday, July 21st, 2025 - Jacksonville Terminal will not accept any Forklift deliveries until further notice.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send dock receipt requests to: docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Please be advised that receiving for non-runners and forklift units will close in Wilmington at the end of the day 7/15. Expected to reopen once space is cleared by the next vessel.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Per Sallaum, “Please be advised that we have reached capacity with respect to Non-Running High & Heavy units at our Baltimore-SLP Terminal. Effective Monday, July 14th, 2025, Baltimore-SLP Terminal will not accept any Non-Running High & Heavy units until further notice. No Exceptions. Also note that as of Monday, July 14th, 2025 terminal will resume accepting Tracked High & Heavy deliveries.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. All RORO Ports (Grimaldi ACL and Sallaum Line) are CLOSED for Friday, July 4 Holiday. Ghanem Office will also be closed with staff off for the holiday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend! Back to business Monday, July 7.
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum Line, “Jacksonville Terminal will resume accepting Forklifts as of Monday, June 23rd, 2025.”
Please note and advise your drivers according. Par Sallaum, “we are reaching capacity with respect to Tracked High and Heavy space at our Baltimore - South Locust Point Terminal. Effective Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, South Locust Point (SLP) Terminal will not accept any Tracked High and Heavy deliveries. No Exceptions. We expect to resume receiving Tracked High and Heavy deliveries after the Glovis Clipper departs from Baltimore on or about June 24th, 2025.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, Juneteenth Holiday, Thursday June 19th, 2025:
Closed: Baltimore SLP
Open: Freeport, Jacksonville, Davisville-Norad
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, Juneteenth (new) Holiday, Thursday June 19th, 2025:
Closed: Baltimore Dundalk, Baltimore Seagirt LoLo, Providence
Open: Freeport Amports, Jacksonville, Wilmington
Please note, per Sallaum, “Please be advised that as per new customs regulations in Lagos, Nigerian Customs have begun auctioning cargo and vehicles that are left uncleared 60 days after arrival.
This means that units that have arrived in March 2025 or earlier and have not been cleared are now being listed for auction. Customs has instructed all terminals to block delivery on any unit that remains uncleared after 60 days.
This intensified auction process is being implemented across all terminals in Lagos. This new policy will impact all customers who fail to clear and take delivery of their vehicles within a 60-day period.
We advise you to inform your customers/consignees accordingly and to work towards clearing all shipments in a timely manner to avoid Nigerian Customs from seizing and auctioning vehicles.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Jacksonville Amports will reopen for forklift receiving for two days. Amports will re-open Thursday June 5th and Friday June 6th this week. Closed for forklift receiving as from Monday June 9th.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Per Sallaum:
“In order to maximize our space and efficiency, please be advised that Sallaum will be conducting a three-day clean up and space consolidation at our South Locust Point (SLP) - Baltimore terminal. Effective Wednesday, June 4th through Friday, June 6th, South Locust Point (SLP) will not accept any Category II Tracked High and Heavy deliveries. No Exceptions. This will not impact any POV or Category I rubber wheeled cargo deliveries. We anticipate to resume Category II Tracked High and Heavy receiving on Monday, June 9th.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, “we have reached capacity with respect to Forklift space at our Freeport Terminal. Effective Friday, May 30th, 2025, Freeport Terminal will not accept any Forklift deliveries until further notice. No Exceptions.”
“MSC LAUNCHES ENHANCED STANDALONE DIRECT SERVICE FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO USA. MSC is excited to announce that it will launch an enhanced standalone USA to South Africa service starting October 2025. MSC will deploy eight vessels, including four additional ships, for consistent weekly connections. This move will ensure service continuity and strengthens MSC's commitment as the sole carrier offering a direct link between South Africa and the US East Coast.
The service will call the following ports, offering Philadelphia as well during the citrus season: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) – Durban – Cape Town – New York – Baltimore – Norfolk – Charleston – Freeport – Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per Sallaum, “we are approaching capacity with respect to Forklift space at our Jacksonville Terminal. Effective Monday, May 19th, 2025 - Jacksonville Terminal will not accept any Forklift deliveries until further notice.”
Ghanem Forwarding would like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Memorial Day Weekend!
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. ALL USA Ports (Grimaldi ACL and Sallaum Line) will be CLOSED. Ghanem Office will also be Closed for the holiday. Enjoy the day off!
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “from Monday May 19th Grimaldi will be closed for Forklift receiving at Amports Terminal in Jacksonville. JAX will continue to receive Non-Runners. Last day to deliver Forklifts in Jacksonville will be Friday May 16th.”
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Wilmington will reopen for Forklift and Non-Runner receiving on Wednesday, May 14th.”Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Baltimore Dundalk will be closed for Non-Runner and Forklift receiving starting Monday, May 12, due to space constraints.”
Due to higher labor and operational costs with respect to the handling of Non-Running/Tow High & Heavy cargo, effective June 2nd, 2025, the following will apply.
Non-Running/Tow fee for Trucks/HH will be increased to:
-$850 for Freeport and Jacksonville terminals
-$1850 for Baltimore-SLP Terminal
This increase only effects Non-Running Trucks/High & Heavy cargo. There are no changes to the tow fee for POV cargo. This increase will take effect on all Non-Running Trucks/HH deliveries on and after June 2nd, 2025.
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “please be advised that the port of Wilmington will be closed for non-runner and forklift receiving starting Wednesday, April 30 due to space constraints."
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Per ACL, “Please be advised that Jacksonville Amports will reopen on Monday, April 21st, for forklift receiving.
Please note and advise your drivers accordingly. Please send booking / dock receipt requests to docs@gforwarding.com
Par Sallaum Line, “Jacksonville Terminal will resume accepting Forklifts as of Monday, April 21st, 2025.”