Non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC)

An NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) is a company that provides ocean freight services without owning or operating its own vessels. Instead, NVOCCs act as intermediaries between shippers who need to transport goods and ocean carriers that own the vessels. They play a crucial role in the global supply chain by consolidating cargo from multiple customers, negotiating freight rates with shipping lines, and managing the logistics of containerized cargo. This allows businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to access competitive shipping rates and efficient transportation services without the complexity of managing direct relationships with major carriers.