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.