Definition
A company that sells ocean freight and issues its own bills of lading like a shipping line, but owns no ships — it buys space in bulk from the actual carriers and resells it. NVOCCs are the backbone of LCL groupage services, consolidating many customers' cargo into shared containers. To the importer the NVOCC is legally the carrier on its house bill, even though a vessel-operating line performs the voyage.
Frequently asked questions
What is NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)?
A company that sells ocean freight and issues its own bills of lading like a shipping line, but owns no ships — it buys space in bulk from the actual carriers and resells it. NVOCCs are the backbone of LCL groupage services, consolidating many customers' cargo into shared containers. To the importer the NVOCC is legally the carrier on its house bill, even though a vessel-operating line performs the voyage.
Which glossary terms are related to NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)?
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) is a port & maritime term in the South African import/export industry. Related terms in the same area include BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor), Berth, Blank Sailing, Bunker Fuel, CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor) — each has its own plain-English definition in the TradeCaravan glossary.