The House of Representatives has launched a probe into the controversial shipping tracking fees imposed by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Global Tracking Management System (GTMS), APM Terminals, and other players in the sector.
The House has invited authorities of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Customs Brokers, Commerce Ministry, APM Terminals, GTMS, and Mectech before Plenary next Tuesday over allegations surrounding controversial shipping tracking fees imposed on importers nationwide.
It followed a communication from Grand Bassa County District #2 Representative, J. Clarence T. Banks, which was submitted to Plenary during Tuesday’s sitting, May 12, 2026, requesting lawmakers to investigate alleged financial exploitation affecting Liberian importers and businesses.
Representative Banks said Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions Incorporated was established during former President George Weah’s administration and allegedly imposed excessive charges on importers bringing containers and vehicles into Liberia through shipping vessels.
According to the communication, importers are requesting payment of at least US$225.00 to be obtained from Central Tracking Numbers before containers and goods can legally be loaded onto vessels destined for Liberia from foreign ports.
The Grand Bassa lawmaker further alleged that prolonged delays in obtaining Central Tracking Numbers continue to cause importers to lose goods, paying additional warehouse charges, transportation costs, and missing scheduled shipments, thereby increasing financial burdens on struggling Liberian businesses annually.
Representative Banks maintained that the tracking system contributes significantly to rising commodity prices nationwide, describing the arrangement as another tariff burden slowing infrastructure development, while urging invited institutions to provide clarity before lawmakers next Tuesday.
