If you are into logistics or international freight forwarding, you would have definitely come across the terms NVOCC and VOCC. But if you are a newbie then, you might be nodding your head pretending you know the difference between NVOCC and VOCC.
Trust me, you are definitely not alone!
Also, it is important to understand the difference between an NVOCC and a VOCC. This can help you make better decisions when moving cargo across the globe.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense—no heavy jargon, just the basics.
First thing is first….
What do NVOCC and VOCC Stand For?
NVOCC = Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier
VOCC = Vessel-Operating Common Carrier
From the abbreviation, you yourself will have an idea of the roles they play, but let us break it down in simple words for you.
A VOCC owns and operates the actual ships that carry goods across oceans. Think of companies like Maersk, MSC, or CMA CGM—these are the big players that manage fleets of container ships.
On the flip side, an NVOCC doesn’t own any ships. Instead, they lease space on vessels operated by VOCCs and sell that space to customers. They act almost like a middleman—but a very important one.
Even simpler terms
- VOCC = owns the bus
- NVOCC = books the seats and sells tickets to passengers
So what does an NVOCC do?
An NVOCC acts like a freight forwarder but not exactly the same.
They book space on ships operated by VOCCs and then resell that space to customers who need to ship cargo. But they do way more than just “resell” space.
Here’s what NVOCCs typically handle:
- Books Cargo Space with VOCCs
- NVOCCs purchase container space from VOCCs in bulk and then offer it to customers at competitive rates—often bundling services along with it.
- Issues House Bill of Lading (HBL)
- Even though they don’t own the vessel, NVOCCs issue their own House Bill of Lading, which acts as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the NVOCC.
- Handles Full Container Load (FCL) & Less than Container Load (LCL)
- NVOCCs can manage both types of shipments:
- FCL: Entire containers booked for one customer
- LCL: Cargo consolidated from multiple shippers into one container (great for smaller shipments)
- NVOCCs can manage both types of shipments:
- Cargo Consolidation & Deconsolidation
- They combine LCL shipments from multiple clients (consolidation) and break them down at the destination (deconsolidation). This is cost-effective and ideal for all the importers/exporters, especially BCO’s
- Customs Documentation Support
- While not customs brokers themselves, many NVOCCs assist in gathering and submitting the necessary documents for customs clearance.
- Freight Rate Negotiation
- Due to their volume, NVOCCs often negotiate better freight rates with VOCCs than individual shippers could on their own—saving clients time and money.
- Multi-Modal Transport Coordination
- They don’t stop at the port—many NVOCCs coordinate inland transportation (trucking or rail) from the port to the final destination.
- Warehousing & Storage Solutions
- Some NVOCCs offer temporary storage, transloading, or warehousing solutions at origin or destination to help clients manage timing and inventory.
- Real-Time Tracking & Updates
- Most modern NVOCCs offer online portals or tracking tools so shippers can view cargo status in real time and get alerts on milestones or delays.
- Regulatory Compliance (ISF, AMS, etc.)
- NVOCCs familiar with U.S. import regulations often assist with:
- ISF Filing (10+2)
- AMS (Automated Manifest System) compliance
- Timely submission of documents to avoid penalties( up to $10,000)
- NVOCCs familiar with U.S. import regulations often assist with:
- Dispute Resolution & Cargo Claims Support
- If something goes wrong—cargo damage, delay, or a documentation error—NVOCCs often step in to support clients in resolving the issue or filing a claim.
- Personalized Customer Support
- Because NVOCCs often work with small to mid-sized businesses, they tend to provide more tailored, hands-on customer service compared to larger carriers.
- Flexible Sailing Options
- They often have access to multiple carriers and vessel schedules, allowing them to find alternate routes and transit times that best fit your needs.
- International Network of Agents
- NVOCCs usually maintain a strong network of overseas agents and partners to ensure smooth coordination from origin to destination—even across complex trade lanes.
As you can see, NVOCCs wear many hats, and VOCCs are no exception. They have their own responsibilities in global trade.
Ship with a reliable NVOCC
So now, What Does a VOCC Actually Do?
VOCCs are the shipowners. They handle:
- Operating ocean vessels (pretty obvious)
- Managing cargo logistics at sea
- Running port-to-port shipping services
- Issuing Master Bills of Lading (MBL)
- Handling their own schedules, routes, and vessel maintenance
VOCCs are responsible for getting the containers from one port to another using their own ships.
They deal directly with ports, terminals, and maritime regulations. If something happens to the vessel en route (bad weather, port delays, etc.), they’re the ones managing that situation.
Here’s a Quick Comparison:
Do NVOCCs and VOCCs Compete?
Lets understand this with an imaginary example
Meet XZY, a furniture manufacturing company in the USA (AKA) a BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner). The manufacturer was trying to import raw materials from China.
They’re a BCO—they own the cargo, they manage their supply chain, and they’ve got serious volume. But here's the twist:
XYZ doesn’t want to rely solely on working directly with big VOCCs. Why? Because:
- They want flexible routing options (not just whatever the carrier is offering).
- They need responsive customer support—not a ticketing system or long wait times.
- And they’re moving cargo across multiple ports, not just one fixed origin and destination.
So they turn to an FMC-licensed NVOCC that specializes in helping BCOs streamline their global logistics without giving up control.
Here’s how it plays out:
- NVOCC negotiates space with several VOCCs like COSCO, Evergreen, and CMA CGM—so XYZ isn’t stuck with one schedule or rate.
- They book 6 full containers for the next shipment, spread across two sailings, to balance cost and delivery timing.
- NVOCC issues a House Bill of Lading to XYZ and coordinates everything: container pickup at the factory in Ho Chi Minh City, drayage to the port, customs documentation, and final delivery to the DC in Dallas.
- The VOCCs issue Master B/Ls to Air7Seas for the containers they’re moving. The VOCC sails the ship, while NVOCC drives the strategy.
So what’s the win for XYZ?
✅ More options without chasing different carriers
✅ A single point of contact to manage all moving parts
✅ Better container utilization, cost control, and visibility
✅ No surprises-just smooth, reliable delivery
In this case, the VOCC provides the horsepower, but it’s the NVOCC that steers the ship when it comes to logistics planning and execution.
✅ That’s exactly what Air 7 Seas, a USA-based FMC-licensed NVOCC and international freight forwarder, does best.
With a proven track record of supporting over 1,200 BCOs, we’ve helped businesses across industries move their cargo smarter—not just faster.
Headquartered in the U.S., we manage international shipments across 85+ global trade lanes, covering key import and export markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and China.
From raw material imports to finished goods exports, our team handles thousands of containers annually, ensuring each shipment is optimized for cost, timing, and reliability.
As a U.S.-based partner, we understand the local compliance landscape—ISF filings, AMS submissions, customs coordination, we got it covered for you.
And thanks to our global agent network, we offer true end-to-end service with seamless coordination from factory floor to final delivery.
What really sets us apart?
Our 24/7 customer support, proactive shipment management using our online customer portal, and the ability to provide flexible sailing schedules through top VOCC partnerships.
At Air7Seas, you get more than a freight forwarder—you get a strategic logistics partner who treats your supply chain like it’s our own.
Final say
To wrap it all up:
- VOCCs own the ships and handle port-to-port transit.
- NVOCCs (like us!) book space on those ships, add value, and take care of the rest.
Think of VOCCs as the engine—and NVOCCs as the driver that gets you to your destination.
If you're ready to simplify your ocean freight, talk to Air7Seas. We make international shipping less complicated and more human.