Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ghanem is a “1 Stop Shop” when it comes to Vehicle Exporting RORO (Roll-on, Roll-off) Ocean Freight Forwarding - Vehicles, Trucks, Construction Equipment & Static Cargo… if it rolls or can be made to roll, we can ship it. We offer competitive rates and 1st Class service to the Middle East & West Africa with the best agents in Cotonou, Benin & Lagos, Nigeria. We pride ourselves on making Fast Dock Receipts. Inland Towing Transport - from mainland USA Auto Auctions closest Ports
1. How do new customers register?
There is only 1 Form for new shippers to fill out including your contact information and basic shipping agreements allowing us to book your shipments for export.
New Shipper Forms
2. How do current customers get new Dock Receipts / Bookings?
Online Bookings or email docs@gforwarding.com
3.What is RORO?
RORO means “Roll on, Roll off” services – this is our area of expertise – we use the top Ocean Freight carriers with constant vessels loading from the USA sailing to destinations worldwide
4. What is a VIN?
VIN is the Vehicle Identification Number typically 17 digits long – you need this entire number to book a vehicle. However, for our VIN Tracking and Staff Assistance, you only need to reference the last 6 digits. If you need to call or email us for help, have the last 6 digits ready for faster service
5. Can you pick up my car from an auto auction?
Yes, we work with drivers across the mainland USA and Canada to pick up single cars to full 10 car loads and take them to the closest port of export
Inland Towing Page
6. Do you ship Containers?
Yes, we offer Container bookings and offer loading services from our office in Baltimore, MD
Container Shipping
7. Do you ship Trucks (Mack) and Construction Equipment?
Yes, we offer competitive rates for ocean and inland freight for "High & Heavy" Trucks & Equipment
Trucks and Equipment
8. What countries do you ship to?
We have contracts and connections with most countries worldwide with very competitive rates and the finest service to the Middle East & West Africa – we work with local offices in Cotonou, Benin & Lagos, Nigeria
RORO Rates Per Country
9. Do you ship “Non-Runner” & “Forklift” units?
Yes, the US Ports each have their own guidelines for accepting damaged vehicles and we can help you choose the correct carrier who can ship your vehicle at the lowest cost
What qualifies as a run and drive? The vehicle must be able to move under its own power and operated in a safe manner. Broken windshields, weak/faulty brakes, or the driver’s side door not operating normally would be examples of disqualifying issues. Some ship lines require the passenger side door to work as well.
What qualifies as a nonrunner? The vehicle is in good operational order but does not move under its own power. Like a car which needs a new starter motor. It should not have leaks and need to have an operational driver’s side door.
What qualifies as a forklift? Vehicles which do not meet the requirements to go as a run and drive or nonrunner will have to go as a forklift. If there is a hazard to the port workers entering the vehicle like broken glass or biohazard then it will have to go as a forklift. Missing keys, damaged axles and steering wheels/columns are examples of some unobvious reason for a unit to be a forklift. They will not be accepted if they are leaking fluids or have any defect which may be dangerous to be around.
10. Where can I find Schedules & Transit times?
We update our shipping schedules daily online with the major carriers
RORO Vessel Schedules
11. How much does shipping cost?
Rates depend on exact shipment (vehicle) size and the ports you are shipping to and from. For example, our lowest rates would usually be for smaller cars, with rates increasing for Trucks & Vans, and even more expensive for Tractor Trailer Trucks & Construction equipment. You can see most rates online or contact our office directly for a special quote
RORO Rates
12. Do you offer Volume Discounts?
Yes, we offer standard rates for single car shippers and discounts for volume shippers and long-term customers
13. How can I see updates for my shipment?
We offer LIVE VIN Tracking on our website Home Page and personalized more detailed options and accounting via your personalized Login
14. How do Releases work?
We arrange Electronic Email Releases whenever possible to avoid mailing fees using Carrier Telex Releases and Print Releases at destination. For those ports and customers that require Bills of Lading, we arrange mailing inside the USA or directly to the country of destination when needed.
Release Procedures
15. How do I pay?
⚬ Bank Wire / ACH Transfers *Preferred Form of Payment
⚬ Money Order / Cashier’s Checks (Mail or Deliver to our office)
⚬ Cotonou, Benin & Lome, Togo Shipments – can be paid in USA or to Cotonou/Lome Agents directly at destination
Payment Procedure
16. Is that everything?
Ghanem assists with all your US local transports and export shipments. Please keep in mind there will always be additional Carrier/Port/Customs local Destination charges with all shipments too. We recommend consignees research local procedures before shipping to manage cost expectations.
17. General Advisories:
For more information and advisories about payments please see our payments page.
Port and Carrier Rules: Ports and carriers establish their own rules and regulations regarding non-runner and forklift bookings. Vehicles are deemed to have a specific status based on the rules of the port at the time of delivery and through the time of loading onto the vessel. The customer acknowledges and agrees that these rules are subject to change and may affect the status of their shipment. The customer is responsible for any fees, including but not limited to additional storage fees, that arise due to changes in the shipment status as determined by the port or carrier. It is the customer’s responsibility to stay informed of the port and carrier rules and to comply with any requirements or changes that may impact their shipment.
Customer Responsiveness: If a customer is unresponsive to our attempted email communications within 48 hours, we reserve the right to work with the next party of interest, such as the consignee, owner, or any subsequent associated party. This measure is taken to ensure the timely payment of freight charges and the proper release of shipments. By engaging our services, the customer acknowledges and agrees to these terms. It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain open lines of communication and respond promptly to our inquiries to avoid any disruptions in the shipment process.
Booking and Dispatch Cancellation Fees Clause: We will not waive booking cancellation fees or dispatch cancellation fees unless a specific agreement is made with management. Once a booking is confirmed, services are allocated and resources are committed as per the requested booking. Consequently, any cancellation of bookings or dispatches will incur the applicable fees as outlined in our terms of service. By confirming a booking, the customer acknowledges and agrees to these terms. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy and necessity of their booking to avoid incurring cancellation fees. We shall not be held liable for any losses or damages arising from the enforcement of these fees.
Storage Responsibility Warning: Please be advised that any storage fees incurred are the responsibility of the customer and are considered pass-through charges from the carrier, port, driver, or other third parties. We are not responsible for customer storage fees and cannot pay these fees on your behalf. Storage fees are accrued from ports or other facilities after the time of loading and are the sole responsibility of the customer. By engaging our services, the customer acknowledges and agrees to these terms. It is the customer’s responsibility to make necessary arrangements to avoid such charges. We shall not be held liable for any losses or damages arising from the enforcement of these storage fees.
Risks of Double Booking Shipments: We strongly advise customers to avoid double booking shipments with us and other companies. Double booking can lead to significant shipping delays and may result in avoidable cancellation fees. To ensure a smooth and timely delivery process, please verify your shipping arrangements and coordinate with our customer service team before making any additional bookings with other shipping providers. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any delays or additional costs incurred due to double booking. It is the customer’s responsibility to manage their shipping arrangements effectively to prevent such issues.
Legal Action: In the event that legal action is threatened via phone, email, or in person by a customer or associated parties, we reserve the right to immediately pause all business operations. This includes, but is not limited to, bookings, exports, releases, and any other related activities. Business operations will remain frozen until the legal threat is amicably settled and resolved through appropriate legal procedures. We suggest and recommend that customers take whatever legal action they deem necessary, with the understanding that all business activities will be legally frozen until the matter is resolved. This measure is taken to protect our interests and ensure that all legal processes are properly followed.