FMC License & Registration for NVOCCs

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Our expert staff is ready to assist companies seeking to offer ocean freight services in the U.S. ocean trade lanes as Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs).

 

We offer Members the following services:

4000+ FMC Applications Approved

FMC License Application Handling for NVOCCs

Companies based in the US seeking to offer ocean freight services to or from the US under their own name must obtain a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) license from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

DPI has assisted thousands of companies successfully apply for and obtain NVOCC licenses from the FMC.

The application process includes detailed reporting of your company’s organizational structure and management. Every NVOCC must employee at least one company officer as a Qualifying Individual (QI) for FMC licensing purposes. The QI must have no less than three years of experience processing freight shipments in the U.S. ocean trade lane. Our experts are familiar with all aspects of QI requirements and company documentation. We will assist you in preparing all needed reporting.

Once your application is prepared, we will handle submission and follow through with the FMC’s Licensing Bureau. Most applications handled by DPI are approved within 60 days.

For this service, we bill an hourly rate of US$ 75. Most applications require 12 hours of staff time. Please be advised that an application fee of US$ 1304 must be submitted to the FMC with each new application.

FMC Registration Handling for NVOCCs

Companies outside of the US that offer ocean freight services to or from the US under their own name must register with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). They must also advise the FMC of a legal agent for service of process in the US.

DPI will handle your registration application and provide expert guidance on the U.S. Shipping Act and FMC regulations. We will also serve as your company’s legal agent for service of process here in the US.

Before you may begin NVOCC operations you must provide FMC with proof of your NVOCC bond and publish an FMC tariff that includes your House Bill of Lading terms. DPI will coordinate with your Bond Agent and publish your FMC Tariff.  We will also review your House Bill of Lading to ensure it complies with FMC regulations for NVOCCs.

With DPI’s assistance you can be sure that all is in order for your company to begin NVOCC operations as soon as your registration is processed. We charge US $150 for registration handling. 

Read on for information about DPI’s FMC Tariff Publication and FMC Bonds for NVOCCs.

Qualifying Individual (QI) Replacement

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission requires that each licensed NVOCC keep the Commission informed of any changes to its Qualifying Individual (QI).

Should the QI no longer serve as an officer and employee of the NVOCC, the NVOCC must replace the QI within 30 days. Failure to do so may result in revocation of the NVOCC’s license or a monetary penalty. 

DPI can help prepare your QI replacement license application. Our expert staff will help review your proposed QI to ensure that they meet the experience and background qualifications required by the FMC. We will also handle all follow up with the FMC’s Bureau of Licensing should there be any questions.

For this service, we bill an hourly rate of US$ 75. Most license applications for Qualifying Individual (QI) replacement require 12 hours of staff time. Please be advised that an amendment fee of US$ 943 must be submitted to the FMC with each new application.

License and Registration Renewals and Updates

U.S. Federal Maritime Commission regulations require that NVOCCs keep the Commission informed of changes in their business information, such as address, telephone number, legal name, and trade name.

Licensed NVOCCs must also keep the Commission informed of changes to their organization’s structure, related entities, shareholders / directors / officers, and branch offices.

Updates must be reported to the Commission within 30 days.

The FMC has also recently instituted a new renewal policy which requires NVOCCs to renew their license or registration every three years. 

DPI can help prepare your update or renewal to ensure smooth sailing when reporting any changes to the FMC. Our expert staff will help prepare all required documentation, and will also handle follow up with the FMC’s Bureau of Licensing should there be any questions.

With DPI’s assistance you can be sure that your update will be in order. We charge reasonable fees for renewal handling and the associated filings.  

FMC Bonds for NVOCCs

U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations require that all NVOCCs maintain proof of financial responsibility. Most NVOCCs satisfy this requirement by obtaining an NVOCC Bond.

Licensed NVOCCs must maintain a bond in the amount of US$ 75,000. Registered NVOCCs must maintain a bond in the amount of US$ 150,000

DPI is happy to recommend insurance agents and sureties qualified to handle your NVOCC bonding requirements.

Our staff will coordinate with you and your bond agent to expedite all paperwork required to obtain speedy approval, so that you may begin operating as an NVOCC as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers below are intended for informational purposes only. To view the FMC’s regulations as issued in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, please click here.

FMC License & Registration for NVOCCs

What activities require an NVOCC license or registration from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)?

What is an NVOCC?

My business is based outside of the US. Do I need an NVOCC license?

How do I obtain an NVOCC bond?

Why do I need an NVOCC bond?

I don’t issue Bills of Lading, but I sell ocean freight. Am I an NVOCC?

What do I need to do after I obtain my NVOCC registration or license to comply with FMC Regulations?

How much does it cost to become an NVOCC and operate in the U.S. ocean trade lanes for a company based in the US?

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