Freight Forwarding in Baltimore: Shapiro's Century of Global Connections

By Candace Kalitsi

Edited by Hannah Hornberger

Shapiro Domestic Freight (Courtesy of Shapiro)

Just a few blocks from the Port of Baltimore's busy terminals stands Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc., a firm that has helped move goods around the world for more than a century. Founded in 1915, Shapiro began as a small family business and has grown into one of Baltimore's most respected freight-forwarding and customs-broking companies. Today, its headquarters at McHenry Row in Locust Point connects local businesses to global markets.

What Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Do

Many people confuse freight forwarders with customs brokers, but their jobs are quite different. Freight forwarders specialize in the logistics of moving goods from one place to another. They negotiate with carriers, arrange transportation by sea, rail, air, or truck, and manage the complex paperwork involved in global shipping. Customs brokers, on the other hand, help importers meet all U.S. government requirements when bringing goods into the country. They classify products, calculate and pay duties and taxes, and ensure every shipment complies with customs regulations.

Shapiro 360° is a powerful tool for businesses that improves shipment tracking and real-time shipment updates, thus providing businesses with full supply chain visibility. Shapiro 360° ensures seamless freight tracking for shipments under a container load as well as full container loads, helping businesses stay compliant with customs brokerage and regulatory standards. (Courtesy of Shapiro)

A Legacy of Leadership at the Port of Baltimore

Shapiro's story is deeply tied to the history of Baltimore's port. During World War I, founder Samuel Shapiro earned a reputation for honesty and reliability while helping European clients ship goods through Baltimore. In the 1940s, his son Sigmund joined the company, strengthening relationships with both customers and government officials. The firm played an active role in establishing the Maryland Port Authority, helping shape what became known as “The Port That Built a City.”

Shapiro provides customers and the public with educational "Shap blogs" that address timely issues in logistics. (Courtesy of Shapiro)

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the company continued to grow under the Shapiro family's leadership. When Samuel passed away at 92, his granddaughter Margie took the helm, guiding the firm into the modern era. Under her leadership, Shapiro became a global presence with a simple but powerful motto: “We care.” That focus on people and long-term relationships remains at the heart of the company today.

Adapting to Change and Challenge

Like all logistics companies, Shapiro has faced unexpected challenges. When the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in 2024, the company had to quickly reroute cargo shipments. Freights originally destined for Baltimore had to be redirected through other ports or transported by alternative routes. Shapiro’s staff worked closely with clients to ensure goods reached their final destinations on time. Their quick thinking and local expertise highlighted the essential role freight forwarders play in keeping supply chains moving.

Technology and Modern Logistics

Modern freight forwarding depends on technology as much as teamwork. Shapiro uses advanced computer systems to efficiently clear cargo through customs. When tariffs or trade regulations change, their staff updates databases and programming so that every shipment complies with new rules. This mix of human expertise and digital precision keeps their clients' goods moving safely and legally across borders.

An example of the commitment Shapiro has to public education regarding the influence of current events on foreign trade. (Courtesy of Shapiro)

A Baltimore Company with Global Reach

Located in the Banner Building at McHenry Row, Shapiro’s offices are surrounded by retail shops, apartments, and restaurants—a reflection of Baltimore’s growth as a vibrant urban hub. Yet the company’s focus remains on international logistics. From Baltimore to Beijing, from Locust Point to Latin America, Shapiro continues to bridge local business with the global economy.

To get in touch, just reach out via this link: https://www.shapiro.com/

Samuel Shapiro & Company is more than a logistics firm; it’s part of Baltimore’s maritime legacy. For over a hundred years, the company has balanced innovation with tradition, proving that even in a fast-changing world, relationships and reliability never go out of style.