# Licensed NVOCC Operations (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> In the sea freight process, a licensed NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) steps in by purchasing cargo space from vessel-operating carriers on its own account and issuing its own house bills of lading to shippers.

In the sea freight process, a licensed NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) steps in by purchasing cargo space from vessel-operating carriers on its own account and issuing its own house bills of lading to shippers. It occupies a dual role: carrier to the shipper, shipper to the ocean line – without owning or operating a single vessel. This structure gives small and mid-sized exporters access to competitive consolidated rates and a single contractual counterparty for documentation and liability. The critical distinction from a freight forwarder acting as agent is that the NVOCC assumes principal carrier liability and may file its own tariffs or NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs) with the relevant authority. In the United States, NVOCCs must be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and post a surety bond; comparable licensing regimes exist in other jurisdictions.

**Source:** [https://www.fmc.gov/bureaus-offices/bureau-of-certification-licensing/nvocc/](https://www.fmc.gov/bureaus-offices/bureau-of-certification-licensing/nvocc/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Licensed NVOCC Operations (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 137 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.fmc.gov/bureaus-offices/bureau-of-certification-licensing/nvocc/ |

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