Ocean Transportation Intermediaries Requirements

According the Federal Maritime Commission, an Ocean Transportation Intermediary is either an ocean freight forwarder or a non-vessel operating common carrier (“NVOCC”).  

An ocean freight forwarder is an individual or company in the United States that dispatches shipments from the United States via common carriers and books or otherwise arranges space for those shipments on behalf of shippers.  Ocean freight forwarders also prepare and process the documentation and perform related activities pertaining to those shipments. 

An NVOCC is a common carrier that holds itself out to the public to provide ocean transportation, issues its own house bills of lading or equivalent document, but does not operate the vessels by which ocean transportation is provided, and is a shipper in relation to the involved ocean common carrier. 

U.S. based Ocean freight forwarders & NVOCCs

Ocean freight forwarders and U.S. based NVOCCs are required to obtain a license to provide services in the United States. 

  More Information on OTI licensing procedure for U.S. based companies

Non-U.S. based NVOCCs

NVOCCs that are not U.S. based are not required to be licensed, but may choose to obtain one if desired, as licensing results in lower financial responsibility levels.

  More Information on OTI registration procedure for Non-U.S. based NVOCCs.

  More Information on OTI licensing procedure for  Non-U.S.-based NVOCCs.

More information on OTIs may be obtained at the following FMC links:  

·       OTI FAQ

·       Forms 

·       Bureau of Certification and Licensing

·       Bureau of Trade Analysis