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Learn about Shipping Act enforcement. Get familiar with key FMC regulations to stay on top of your organization's compliance.
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Learn about DPI's online solution for complete NRA compliance management. .
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Watch this quick video to learn about DPI's expert FMC compliance services and products.
Video – Web Users & DPI Members
Learn about the DPI's FMC Tariff navigation tools and how to view tariff data quickly and easily using DPI's online tariff platform.
Blog Post – Public
Load up on knowledge! View a complete index of our helpful videos, blog posts, and step-by-step user guides.
Blog Post – Public
Review the U.S. Shipping Act to learn about your obligations as an ocean common carrier or ocean freight forwarder.
Blog Post – DPI Members
"When am I acting as an NVOCC?" Get the answer to DPI's No. 1 client question. Learn the basics of what it means to be an NVOCC in the U.S. ocean trade lanes.
Blog Post – DPI Members
Review DPI's suggested D&D Dispute Resolution Rule for VOCCs.
Blog Post – DPI Members
Review DPI's suggested D&D Dispute Resolution Rule for NVOCCs.
DPI’s e-learning platform provides courses and videos aimed at helping compliance professionals learn about U.S. Federal Maritime Commission regulations.
Gain the in-depth knowledge you need to effectively utilize and manage Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) at your organization.
Learn about Shipping Act enforcement and key FMC regulations that your organization should be aware of in this expert summary presented by Distribution Publication, Inc.
Take the steps to become an expert in FMC tariffs by learning the ins and outs of FMC tariff regulations with DPI's Tariff Compliance Course. Enrollment open to DPI Members soon!
Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs) must file Service Contracts with the Federal Maritime Commission via the SERVCON system. All Service Contracts must be filed no later than 30 days after they are signed by the VOCC and shipper. FMC regulations require that Service Contracts contain specific terms, shipment details, and rate information. There are also detailed agreement and filing requirements for Service Contracts.
DPI’s expert staff handle all aspects of FMC compliance for our VOCC members’ Service Contracts. From FMC-compliance review to record keeping, DPI will ensure each Service Contract meets all FMC requirements, is filed in a timely manner, and is stored in our secure online database for quick access. To learn more about DPI’s Service Contract Services, click here or contact us.
DPI Members can learn more about Service Contracts on our Knowledge Center.
All tariffs published by DPI are available for public viewing in compliance with FMC regulations.
For more information about DPI’s FMC Tariff Viewing services, click here.
NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs) are not filed in an FMC tariff, instead NVOCCs must issue NSAs directly to their shippers and obtain their written acceptance. FMC regulations require that NSAs contain specific terms, shipment, and rate information. There are also detailed formatting and timing requirements for NSAs and NSA acceptance.
DPI’s expert staff offer assistance for all aspects of NSAs. From FMC-compliant NSA templates to historical record-keeping, DPI will ensure each NSA meets all FMC requirements and is stored in our secure online database for quick access. To learn more about DPI’s NSA Services, click here or contact us.
DPI Members can learn more about NSAs on our Knowledge Center.
Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) are not filed in an FMC tariff, instead NVOCCs must issue NRAs directly to their shippers and record their shippers’ acceptance. FMC regulations require that each NRA contains specific shipment, rate, and surcharge information. There are also detailed formatting and timing requirements for NRAs and NRA acceptance.
DPI’s expert staff offer assistance for all aspects of NRAs. We also offer an online NRA Management System with pre-programmed NRA Templates and FMC compliance protocols built in. The NRA Management System allows you to offer NRAs to your shippers via email and record their acceptances or booking. Watch our quick video demo here.
DPI Members can learn more about NRAs on our Knowledge Center. DPI now offers an NRA Certificate Course for compliance professionals seeking to learn the ins and outs of NRAs. Enroll today!
Yes. DPI Will prepare and file your FMC-1 form with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. We file this form for all DPI Members upon commencement of our tariff publication services. There is no extra charge for this service for your initial tariff rules. We will ensure your FMC-1 is accepted by FMC.
Yes. DPI will prepare your FMC-65 form, file it with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, and follow up to get it approved quickly. This is a key part of the service we provide to all DPI Members who are registered with the FMC as NVOCCs.
Yes. DPI will act as your agent for service of process if you are a DPI Member registered with the FMC as an NVOCC outside of the USA. There is no extra charge for this service.
Good question. We will list our name and office address in FMC records and in your tariff rules as your agent for service of process. This gives FMC and courts in the USA an address in the USA where they can deliver official legal documents for your company. This is required by FMC regulations for all NVOCCs outside of the USA. This doesn’t happen often, but if/when it does we receive the legal documents, promptly scan them and send to you via email, then forward the originals to you by mail. This service is strictly limited to legal docs and does not cover anything else.
If you require assistance in obtaining a bond, DPI is happy to recommend insurance agents and sureties qualified to handle FMC’s NVOCC bonding requirements. We will carefully review your bonds and advise if any correction will be required to satisfy FMC.
If you would like DPI to publish your FMC Tariff, please contact us for a proposal. To learn more about our services view DPI’s FMC Tariff Publications Services.
For over 45 years, the experts at DPI have assisted Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs), Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs), and Marine Terminal Operators (MTOs) to publish FMC Tariff rules and rates in compliance with U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations.
A tariff rate is a description of charges for ocean freight services for a specified commodity between specified origins and destinations. The tariff rate may be subject to surcharges contained in the tariff’s rules or include charges for additional services, so long as those charges are fully described in the tariff rate.
U.S. Federal Maritime Commission regulations require that Vessel Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs) and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers either publish tariff rates for ocean freight services or issue alternative rate documentation in compliance with FMC regulations.
As an alternative to tariff rate filing, NVOCCs may enter into Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) or NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs).
As an alternative to tariff rate filing, VOCCs may enter into Service Contracts (SCs).
Read more about FMC Tariffs and FMC Tariff Rates on the DPI Knowledge Center. For more information about DPI’s FMC Tariff services, click here.
If you’re a DPI Member, simply log on to your account and click Rate Filing Request in the Member Menu. A Rate Filing Template will appear for you to complete and submit for filing. A Help Guide will appear on the right-hand side of your screen with a helpful description and explanation of each field as you click through the form.
For a quick video tutorial watch our New File Request Video. You may also view our Step-by-Step Guide.
*To comply with FMC’s rate documentation regulations, all tariff rates must be on file in your FMC tariff prior to you or your agents’ receipt of cargo for shipment at the origin listed on your Ocean Bill of Lading.
A tariff rule is a description of charges, classifications, rules, or practices applicable to ocean freight services moving under the tariff owner’s bill of lading or via the tariff owner’s marine terminal.
U.S. Federal Maritime Commission regulations require that Vessel Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs) and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) publish and maintain tariffs listing all charges, classifications, rules, and practices applicable to their ocean freight services. Marine Terminal Operators may also maintain tariffs if they choose to do so.
When rules are published in an FMC tariff they are applicable to all cargo moving under the tariff owner’s bill of lading or via their marine terminal just as if there was a contract in place with each shipper customer.
All tariffs at DPI are published with a standard set of rules that are generally applicable in the US ocean trade lanes. Some rules are also required by FMC regulations. Please review your tariff rules prior to or shortly after publication to ensure they reflect your organization’s practices and charges.
Learn more about FMC Tariffs and FMC Tariff Rules on the DPI Knowledge Center. For more information about DPI’s FMC Tariff services, click here.
If you’re a DPI Member, simply log on to your account and click Rule Filing Request in the Members’ Menu. A Rule Filing Template will appear for you to complete and submit for filing. A Help Guide will appear on the right-hand side of your screen with a helpful description and explanation of each field as you click through the form. You may also view our Step-by-Step Guide.
Logistics companies offering ocean freight services under their own names to and/or from the US and a foreign country must apply for a license or register with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). Whether you must apply for a license or registration depends on the location of your company’s office and staff.
Logistics companies whose office and staff are located outside the US must register with the FMC as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). The registration process is fairly straightforward but does require that the NVOCC provide an agent in the US for service of process.
Once your registration is approved you must also certify to the FMC that you have obtained an NVOCC Bond (US$ 150,000) and published an FMC tariff before you may begin operating as an NVOCC.
Learn more about our FMC Registration Services or contact us. For a quick intro to DPI, view our Introduction to DPI Services video.
Logistics companies incorporated in the US with offices and staff in the US must apply for a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) License from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission.
The NVOCC License application requires detailed information about company structure and management. In addition, licensed NVOCCs must show that they have at least one company officer that has experience working in the U.S. ocean trade lanes. This officer is referred to as the Qualifying Individual or QI for purposes of the FMC licensing application. This QI must be able to prove their experience by providing the FMC with three professional references.
Once your license is approved you must also certify to the FMC that you have obtained an NVOCC Bond (US$ 75,000) and published an FMC tariff before you may begin operating as an NVOCC.
Learn more about our FMC Licensing Services or contact us. For a quick intro to DPI, view our Introduction to DPI Services video.
Whether you are an FMC-licensed or registered NVOCC you must keep the FMC informed of changes to your organization. Changes such as address, telephone numbers, and contact person’s name and email, must be reported to the FMC within 30 days. Changes to business or trade names require new or amended FMC license or registration.
FMC-licensed NVOCCs must also report any changes to their company’s structure, related entities, addition of branch offices, and Qualifying Individual (QI).
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.
Learn more about DPI’s service for FMC Licensing & Registration Updates or contact us.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission requires that NVOCCs renew their licensing and registration every three years.
You will be contacted by the FMC to provide renewal information and provided with an online portal logon. You will have to reconfirm all basic business information. FMC-licensed NVOCCs must also report any changes to their organization, such as related entities, ownership changes, additional branch offices, etc.
DPI’s expert staff is happy to assist with renewal reporting and will help prepare any related documentation required.
Learn more about DPI’s services for Licensing & Registration Renewal Services or contact us.
Save you team time and stay on top of FMC compliance with DPI’s automated tools. We offer:
For more information, visit DPI’s Automatic Rating, Quoting, and Pricing Tools page or contact us.
