Non Vessel Owning Common Carrier (NVOCC)

A Non-Vessel Owning Common Carrier (NVOCC) is a company that provides ocean freight services without operating its own vessels. NVOCCs act as intermediaries, consolidating shipments from multiple customers and booking space with actual ocean carriers. They issue their own bills of lading, known as House Bills of Lading (HBL), while receiving Master Bills of Lading (MBL) from the ocean carriers. NVOCCs handle cargo coordination from origin to destination, including booking space, consolidating Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipments, customs clearance, and documentation. They provide cost-effective, flexible shipping solutions, making global shipping more accessible for smaller shippers without direct carrier contracts.