The National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia (NCBAL) has threatened unspecified action at the Freeport of Monrovia, headquarters of the National Port Authority (NPA), due to exorbitant charges imposed by the Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions (GTMS). In a statement issued on Wednesday January 7, 2026, the Association’s President James Hinneh disclosed that the members of the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia have firmly rejected the imposition of exorbitant charges ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 on the importation of heavy equipment by GTMS Liberia Limited, the company currently operating the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) system in the country.
According to him, the classification of equipment on flat racks must align with globally accepted shipping standards and industry practice, adding that flat racks are specialized container variants designed for oversized loads, distinct from containerized cargo.
He, however, maintained that Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) remains the proper classification for rolling cargo, even if such equipment were loose cargo, stressing that GTMS is not the cargo handling company, while APM Terminal, which is the shipping line responsible for transport, does not impose such fees.
The National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia is further demanding that GTMS remain within its contractual mandate by assisting the National Port Authority in monitoring cargo movement under ISPS regulations, maintaining that the company must not act as a handling company, carrier, or inspection entity.
“We remain committed to facilitating trade and fostering collaboration. However, if these issues persist, we will be compelled to take public action to defend the interests of brokers, importers, and the wider business community. Brokers have historically paid $190 for heavy equipment clearance. We call upon all customs brokers to resist any charges exceeding this amount,” Hinneh stated. He disclosed that the additional $15 “express fee” introduced by GTMS is not stipulated in its contract with the Government of Liberia and must be removed, noting that reviews of cargo classifications and associated charges must be collaborative, timely, and transparent to avoid disruption of legitimate trade.
Hinneh expressed grave concern over the conduct of the Minister of Commerce, Madame Marthaline Dagoseh, for alleged consistent delays in signing the Import Permit Declaration (IPD), for essential and critical commodities at the Freeport of Monrovia. According to him, several communications sent to the office of Minister Dagoseh to address the prevailing situation are ignored.
