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.

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.

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.