Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers

Also found in: Acronyms.

Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC)

An ocean carrier that does not own or operate their own vessels. They use less than full containerloads which they ship on actual ship lines. They issue their own bills of lading which are backed up by actual on board ocean bills of lading issued to them by the other carrier.

Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier

A company that ships goods on behalf of a client, especially internationally, but that does not own its own ships or airplanes. It operates much like any other carrier, issuing its own bills of lading or air waybills. The only difference is that an NVOCC does not own the means of transport. An NVOCC is also called a non vessel owning carrier.