No, the FMC is not responsible for Automated Manifest Filings (also commonly referred to as AMS filings) and SCAC codes for Vessel-Operating Common Carriers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is in charge of Automated Manifest Filings. You must file Automated Manifest filings with CBP. A list of vendors that can assist with AMS filings […]
OFFs must be prepared to provide shippers with a detailed breakout of all charges and underlying ocean freight bills upon request. The below notice is required on all OFF invoices.: “Upon request, we shall provide a detailed breakout of the components of all charges assessed and a true copy of each pertinent document relating to […]
No. FMC’s Ocean Freight Forwarder regulations only apply to companies based in the US that dispatch shipments from the US. To learn more about DPI’s services for OFFs, click here. DPI Members may learn more about OFFs on the DPI Knowledge Center.
Ocean Freight Forwarders (OFFs) in the US are different from Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs). OFFs only arrange for ocean freight on behalf of their shipper customers. They do not hold themselves out as an ocean carrier and do not issue their own bills of lading. OFFs are prohibited from entering into Service Contracts with Vessel-Operating […]
Yes, Ocean Freight Forwarders may earn forwarder commissions from ocean carriers. Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers and cargo owners may not earn forwarder commissions from ocean carriers. OFFs must certify that they have performed forwarding services prior to receiving commissions from VOCCs and NVOCCs. To learn more about DPI’s services for OFFs, click here. DPI Members may […]
An FMC license or registration is generally required in the following scenarios.: when you re-sell full-container load (FCL) or less-than container load (LCL) ocean freight at a markup or profit when you issue your own House Bill of Lading or other shipping documents in the name of your company when you allow shipments to move […]
In the U.S. ocean trade lanes, a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC): holds itself out to the public as a company that provides transportation for cargo between the US and a foreign country by water for compensation without operating the vessel by which the transportation is provided. An NVOCC is a shipper in relationship with the […]
No. 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). The FMC NVOCC License is only available to NVOCCs with offices and staff in the US. DPI has helped thousands of companies successfully apply for FMC […]
Most NVOCCs obtain an NVOCC bond through a surety company approved by the U.S. Treasury. DPI works with a number of surety companies in the US and abroad. We are happy to recommend one for your organization. To learn about our NVOCC Bond services, click here.
Under U.S. Federal Maritime Commission regulations, NVOCCs must provide proof of financial responsibility before they begin operating in the U.S. ocean trade lanes. Licensed NVOCCs must maintain proof of financial responsibility in the amount of US$ 75,000. Registered NVOCCs must maintain proof of financial responsibility in the amount of US$ 150,000. Most NVOCCs provide proof […]
