Verify whether a Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) or Ocean Freight Forwarder (OFF) is currently licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission before entering into a shipping arrangement. Unlicensed OTIs are prohibited from operating in the U.S. ocean commerce and may expose shippers to significant legal and financial risk.
The FMC maintains the official, authoritative database of all licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediaries. Search by company name, license number, or location to verify current licensing status and financial responsibility coverage.
Open FMC OTI License SearchOpens the official FMC website at fmc.gov — free, no login required
An NVOCC is a company that issues bills of lading and assumes carrier liability for ocean shipments, but does not operate the vessels. NVOCCs consolidate cargo from multiple shippers and book space on ocean carriers. They are required to be licensed by the FMC under 46 CFR Part 515.
An Ocean Freight Forwarder arranges ocean transportation on behalf of shippers but does not issue its own bills of lading or assume carrier liability. OFFs handle documentation, customs clearance, and logistics coordination. They are also required to be licensed by the FMC under 46 CFR Part 515.
Enter the Company Name
Type the full or partial name of the NVOCC or freight forwarder you wish to verify. You can also search by FMC license number if you have it.
Review the Results
The FMC database will return matching licensees with their license number, license type (NVOCC or OFF), status (active/inactive), and the name of their surety bond or insurance provider.
Verify Active Status
Confirm the licensee shows 'Active' status. An 'Inactive' or 'Revoked' status means the company is not currently authorized to operate as an OTI in U.S. ocean commerce.
Under the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. § 40901), it is unlawful for any person to act as an OTI without a valid FMC license. Shippers who use unlicensed OTIs may face the following risks:
| Field | What It Means | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| License Number | The FMC-assigned unique identifier for the OTI license | Should match any license number the OTI has provided to you |
| License Type | NVOCC, Ocean Freight Forwarder, or both | Confirm the type matches the services being provided |
| Status | Active, Inactive, Revoked, or Suspended | Must be 'Active' to legally operate — do not use an OTI with any other status |
| Surety/Insurance | The name of the bond or insurance provider covering the OTI | Confirm coverage is in place; contact the bond provider if you need to verify the bond amount |
| Qualified Individual | The person responsible for the OTI's FMC compliance | Useful for identifying the compliance contact at the OTI |
| Address | The OTI's registered business address | Verify it matches the address on your contracts and invoices |
Ask the AI Compliance Assistant to explain NVOCC bonding requirements, the Qualified Individual standard, or what happens when an OTI's license is revoked.