A new chapter in ocean freight
Move cargo to and from the United States with the flexibility of a carrier and the service of a partner. Our newly launched Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) service gives you direct access to competitive rates, consolidated shipments, and end-to-end accountability, all backed by our Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the Federal Maritime Commission.
As a licensed NVOCC, Inchcape Shipping Services acts as your contractual carrier, issuing our own House Bill of Lading, consolidating cargo, and negotiating directly with the world’s leading ocean carriers on your behalf.
It’s a simple proposition: more control, better rates, and a single trusted partner managing your shipments from origin to destination.
Whether you’re an importer, exporter, freight forwarder, or overseas agent, our NVOCC service is built to make your cargo move smarter.
Why Choose Inchcape As Your NVOCC
- FMC-Licensed & Compliant
We hold a valid Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the Federal Maritime Commission, a regulatory stamp of trust that reflects our commitment to financial responsibility, operational standards, and full compliance with US shipping regulations. - Direct Carrier Relationships
We work directly with the world’s major ocean carriers to secure space, competitive rates, and reliable transit times across all major US trade lanes. - Consolidation Expertise
Our LCL and FCL consolidation services help shippers of all sizes reduce costs and gain flexibility, whether you’re moving a single pallet or hundreds of containers a month. - Single Point of Accountability
With our own House Bill of Lading and a dedicated NVOCC team, you get one point of contact, one point of accountability, and complete visibility from booking to delivery.
Our NVOCC Services
- Full Container Load (FCL)
For shippers moving larger volumes, our FCL service provides dedicated container space on major US trade lanes. Benefit from direct carrier relationships, competitive contract rates, and priority space allocation during peak seasons. - Less than Container Load (LCL)
Don’t have enough cargo to fill a container? Our LCL service consolidates your shipment with others bound for the same destination, giving you cost-effective access to ocean freight without paying for space you don’t need. - Cargo Consolidation
We aggregate cargo from multiple shippers into full containers, helping you secure better rates and more flexible scheduling, ideal for regular shippers, freight forwarders, and overseas agents. - House Bill of Lading
As a licensed NVOCC, we issue our own House Bill of Lading (HBL), giving you a direct contractual relationship with Inchcape Shipping Services as your carrier of record. - Documentation & Compliance
Our team handles the full documentation lifecycle, bills of lading, customs paperwork, ISF filings, AMS submissions, and more, so your cargo moves without delay or compliance risk. - Door-to-Door Coordination
Combine our NVOCC service with inland transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing for true end-to-end logistics under one roof.
Who We Serve
Our NVOCC service is designed for:
- Importers and exporters moving cargo to or from the United States
- Freight forwarders looking for a reliable US-licensed NVOCC partner
- Overseas agents who need a trusted counterpart for US shipments
- 3PLs and supply chain managers seeking flexible ocean freight capacity
- Shippers of all sizes from first-time exporters to enterprise accounts
TRUST & CREDENTIALS
Licensed. Bonded. Trusted.
Being granted an OTI license by the Federal Maritime Commission isn’t a formality; it requires proven financial responsibility, regulatory knowledge, and operational readiness. We’ve met every requirement, and we maintain the bonds and insurance coverage required to operate as an NVOCC in the United States.
How It Works
1. Get in Touch
Tell us about your shipment, origin, destination, cargo type, volume, and timing. Our NVOCC team will respond with options tailored to your needs.
2. Receive Your Quote
We’ll provide a competitive rate, transit time, and service plan, drawing on our direct carrier relationships and consolidation network.
3. Book with Confidence
Once you confirm, we secure your space, manage documentation, and coordinate every step of the journey.
4. Track and Receive
Stay informed with proactive updates from our team. Your cargo arrives with the documentation, compliance, and accountability you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) is a licensed ocean freight company that acts as a carrier for shippers without owning or operating the vessels themselves. NVOCCs consolidate cargo, negotiate space with shipping lines, and issue their own Bill of Lading, giving shippers more flexibility and often better rates than booking directly with a carrier.
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Yes. Inchcape Shipping Services holds a valid Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the Federal Maritime Commission, authorising us to operate as an NVOCC for cargo moving to and from the United States.
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A freight forwarder arranges shipping on your behalf without taking on carrier liability. An NVOCC acts as your contractual carrier, issuing its own Bill of Lading and assuming responsibility for the cargo. At Inchcape Shipping Services, we offer both, but with our new NVOCC service, you get the added benefits of carrier-level control and accountability.
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Our NVOCC service covers all major US trade lanes, including imports from and exports to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond. Contact us for specific routings.
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Yes. Our LCL consolidation service is ideal for shippers moving smaller volumes who want the cost benefits of ocean freight without booking a full container.
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Simply request a quote or contact our NVOCC team. We’ll walk you through the options and set up your account.
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