Payment & Release Procedure

​Ghanem Forwarding LLC Payment Options:

​Money Order and Cashier’s Checks (Mail or Deliver to our office)
⚬ Pay to: Ghanem Forwarding – 68 Alco Place, Halethorpe, MD 21227
⚬ Memo/Reference/Note: Shipper Name (Account Name) AND VIN (Last 6 Digits)
⚬ Please reference Shipper & VIN on all payments. Payments without VIN/Shipper referenced are not guaranteed for same-day processing
⚬ Not Recommended – longer processing and release time due to bank clearance and mail delays

*Payments with No VIN/Shipper reference are not guaranteed for same-day processing & releases - Postal Money Orders, Business & Personal Checks take 7 business days to clear funds in our account (releases cannot be processed until funds are confirmed on the 8th business day)
*We recommend payment before arrival to prevent storage fees from accruing at destinationWe recommend payment before arrival to prevent storage fees from accruing at destination

US Domestic Bank Wire / ACH Transfers
For Bank Transfer Authorization & new account details – Please call to speak to Accounts Manager about new privacy guidelines.US Domestic Bank Wire / ACH Transfers – For Bank Transfer Authorization & new account details – Please call to speak to Accounts Manager about new privacy guidelines.
(We do not accept or authorize International bank payments or 3rd Party transfers at this time.)
⚬Please note $500 Minimum Wire/ACH Accepted. Payments less than $500 subject to $50 processing fee. Please do not send transfers under $500.
⚬Please note: $25 wire fees are generally absorbed by our company per wire as business expenses. We reserve the right to charge customer based on transaction detail at any time. Please note there are $0 fees generally per ACH. (We do not accept or authorize International bank payments or 3rd Party transfers at this time.)
⚬Please note $500 Minimum Wire/ACH Accepted. Payments less than $500 subject to $50 processing fee. Please do not send transfers under $500.
⚬Please note: $25 wire fees are generally absorbed by our company per wire as business expenses. We reserve the right to charge customer based on transaction detail at any time. Please note there are $0 fees generally per ACH.
⚬Unauthorized Sender/Payee (3rd Parties) include any individual or business that does not exactly match the Shipper Name/Company/Email Invoiced. Unauthorized 3rd Party Payments are subject to $50 processing penalty fees and require a 3rd Party affiliation explained in email before being allocated to customer account. Ghanem Forwarding LLC does not authorize or accept bank deposits of any kind for freight payment. Deposits are subject to $50 processing penalty fees. We do not accept cash as payment; cash deposits are 100% forfeit.*Unauthorized Sender/Payee (3rd Parties) include any individual or business that does not exactly match the Shipper Name/Company/Email Invoiced. Unauthorized 3rd Party Payments are subject to $50 processing penalty fees and require a 3rd Party affiliation explained in email before being allocated to customer account. Ghanem Forwarding LLC does not authorize or accept bank deposits of any kind for freight payment. Deposits are subject to $50 processing penalty fees. We do not accept cash as payment; cash deposits are 100% forfeit.  

​We recommend payment before shipment arrival for fastest release possible. Releases are issued the week of vessel arrival (ETA) not in advance – Carrier Releases can take up to 5 business days after payment is processed

​Ghanem Forwarding LLC offers and recommends optional Cargo Insurance purchase for all shipments. For accounting questions, please contact our office: 410-366-0416 / customerservice@gforwarding.com Invoices/Quotes sent before port delivery and customs clearance are subject to change until transporters confirm all charges and shipment is fully cleared by customs. Costs are subject to change per additional carrier/port charges added after manifest. Actual shipment cost is calculated by measurements taken by port and current carrier rates at time of delivery to port (not booking or quote date). Invoices are dated when created and should be paid in full for release within 1 month of manifest loading date per carrier or subject to $100 late fees per month past due unpaid. Please pay invoices within 2 months of manifest to avoid OBL sale and legal collections. Shippers are still held responsible for all charges for additional services requested if OBL is sold and ocean freight recovered. OBL Sale occurs when invoice is not paid after 2 months of initial manifest/loading/sailing date. If Shipper does not pay invoice within those 2 months, Ghanem reserves the right to sell the OBL for the invoice balance and expenses to change the consignee to the purchasing party. When the final invoice or Manifest is issued it is serves as constructive notice. In booking with Ghanem Forwarding LLC, Shippers agree to all terms and conditions provided. Upon request, we shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to these charges.

​Detention & Demurrage Policy:
Pass-Through Basis: All detention and demurrage charges as invoiced by the underlying ocean common carrier are passed through to the relevant shipper. Carrier shall provide a true copy of each detention and demurrage invoice made by the underlying ocean common carrier. Carrier is a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) operating under the Safe Harbor provision of The Shipping Act of 2022 – Public Law 117-146, which provides that an NVOCC that passes through to the relevant shipper a detention and demurrage invoice made by the underlying ocean common carrier, and is not otherwise found to be responsible for the charges by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), shall not be subject to penalties or refund requirements issued by the FMC rather the underlying ocean common carrier shall be subject to any penalties or refund requirements issued by the FMC.

Release Procedure

​Lagos, Nigeria Release Emails

Release Emails are issued the week of vessel arrival (ETA)

⚬ Sallaum Telex Releases average up to 24 hours after payment is completed

⚬ Grimaldi-ACL Seaway Bill Releases average 24-72 hours after payment is completed

*If missing Release email – please email info@gforwarding.com with VIN

 Cotonou, Benin & Lome, Togo
 ​​⚬ Bills of Lading are released directly at destinations

Telex Release Costs:

​​⚬ Sallaum Line: FREE
⚬ Atlantic Container Line (Grimaldi): $50

​Bills of Lading / Titles: Additional optional mailing fees
⚬ DHL International Mailing: $175 (average depending on country)
⚬ UPS USA Domestic Express Mailing: $40

Advisories

​​​​​​​​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.

 Third-Party Payments:
Payments made by third parties are undertaken at the risk of the sender, payer, payee, and all parties involved. While we prefer to conduct business directly with our customers, we acknowledge the international business links and associations between companies. Therefore, we are willing to be flexible as permitted by law and banking regulations. We strongly advise all payers to verify all information before sending any payment to our business, whether on behalf of others or directly for themselves.

​​Refunds:
Refunds are subject to our discretion and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request a refund, customers must provide proof of purchase and a valid reason for the request. Refunds will only be issued to the original method of payment. Please note that we are not responsible for any delays caused by third-party payment processors or banks. Additionally, any fees incurred during the refund process will be deducted from the refund amount. Refunds take minimum 90 days processing from date of payment.

​​Overpayments:
In the event of an overpayment, the excess amount will be credited to the customer’s account and can be applied to future purchases or services. Customers may also request a refund of the overpaid amount by contacting our customer service team at. Refunds for overpayments will be processed within 91 business days and will be issued via company check directly to customer registered with shipment. Please note that any fees incurred during the refund process will be deducted from the overpaid amount. We are not responsible for any delays caused by third-party payment processors or banks. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy of their payment to avoid overpayments.

​​Unauthorized Payments:
Any payments made without proper authorization are deemed forfeit and non-refundable. We reserve the right to retain such payments and will not be liable for any refunds or compensation related to unauthorized transactions. Unauthorized payments include, but are not limited to, payments made without the explicit consent of the account holder, payments made using fraudulent or stolen payment methods, and payments made in error. By making a payment, the payer warrants that they have the legal right and authority to use the payment method and that the payment is authorized. It is the responsibility of the payer to ensure that all payments are authorized and correctly processed. We shall not be held responsible for any losses or damages arising from unauthorized payments.

 Risks of Money Order Fraud:
We strongly advise all customers to carefully consider the risks associated with money order fraud before making any payments. Money orders can be susceptible to fraud, and it is crucial to verify all details and ensure the legitimacy of the transaction. We recommend double-checking the recipient’s information and confirming the authenticity of the money order with the issuing institution. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any losses or issues arising from fraudulent money orders or mistakes made by the sender. It is the sender’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy and security of their payment method.

​​Risks of Bank Wire Fraud:
We strongly advise all customers to carefully consider the risks associated with bank wire fraud before making any payments. Bank wire transfers can be targeted by fraudsters, and it is crucial to verify all details and ensure the legitimacy of the transaction. We recommend double-checking the recipient’s information and confirming the authenticity of the bank account details with your financial institution. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any losses or issues arising from fraudulent bank wire transfers or mistakes made by the sender. It is the sender’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy and security of their payment method.

​​Risks of International Bank Wire Fraud:
We strongly advise all customers to carefully consider the risks associated with international bank wire fraud before making any payments. International wire transfers can be particularly vulnerable to fraud, and it is crucial to verify all details and ensure the legitimacy of the transaction. We recommend double-checking the recipient’s information and confirming the authenticity of the bank account details with your financial institution. Please be aware that we are not responsible for any losses or issues arising from fraudulent international bank wire transfers or mistakes made by the sender. It is the sender’s responsibility to ensure the accuracy and security of their payment method.

​​Fraud Reporting:
We take any accusations or alleged involvement in scams or fraud very seriously. Any suspected fraud of any kind will be reported to local, regional, and federal authorities. We do not tolerate fraudulent activities and will pursue any actions against us to the fullest extent of the law. Customers are advised to ensure the legitimacy of their transactions and to avoid any activities that could be construed as fraudulent. We are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy business environment and will take all necessary measures to protect our interests and those of our customers.

​​Debt Collection:
Any accounts that are over 90 days past due will be subject to legal collection processes. Accounts referred to legal collections will incur an additional transactional handling fee of 30% of the outstanding debt. By engaging our services, the customer acknowledges and agrees to these terms. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure timely payment of all invoices to avoid additional fees and legal actions. We reserve the right to pursue all available legal remedies to recover outstanding debts.