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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Registration, Licensing and Certification with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)



Document: Regulatory Compliance Resources FAQ
Published: May 21, 2026
Author: Willie Jefferson

SOURCES
Public Law 98-237 (Shipping Act of 1984)
Public Law 117-146 (Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022)
46 USC 30701 (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act or COGSA)
www.fmc.gov
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-IV (Code of Federal Regulations)
www.dmstradeservices.com
www.dartmaritime.com
www.tariffcenter.com

FMC REGISTRATION OVERVIEW

  • What is the FMC? - The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), is the U.S. government agency responsible for the licensing, bonding and oversight of companies offering ocean shipping services to the general public in the foreign trade of the U.S. (46 CFR 501; 46 U.S.C. 40101-41309)
  • Who must register with the FMC? - Any company offering ocean based freight shipping services to the general public arriving to or exiting from Ports in the U.S.
  • Are there different registration categories? - There are two primary types of registration, as a Vessel Operator (VOCC) or as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI).
  • Are there different OTI classifications? - Yes, U.S. based Freight Forwarder (OTI-OFF) and NVOCC (OTI-NVOCC). Some companies operate as both a Forwarder and a NVOCC. Freight Forwarders based outside the U.S. are not recognized as an "OTI" by the FMC and would require registration only as a NVOCC and issue their own Bill of Lading.
  • What is required to be a VOCC? - Own or operate a vessel calling at least one U.S. port for the public movement of freight by water.
  • What is required to be an OTI-NVOCC? - If based in the U.S. a license and a Bond is required. If based outside the U.S., a direct administrative filing with no license, but a higher bond threshold.
  • What is the difference between a VOCC and NVOCC? - The primary difference is vessel operation or ownership. NVOCCs are also "common carriers" but do not own or operate a vessel.
  • What is the difference between a Freight Forwarder and a NVOCC? - Freight Forwarders book cargo with a NVOCC or VOCC but do not issue their own Bill of Lading and cannot sign Service Contracts or appear on the VOCC's Master Bill of Lading as the shipper/consignee.
  • Any additional requirements in becoming a registered Carrier? - Form FMC-65 for non-U.S. NVOCCs, a signed Letter of Authority, a Bond (if required), and a copy of the Bill of Lading to be used. We will file the required FMC-1 disclosing the location of your online tariff as part of the registration process.
  • How long does it take to complete registration with the FMC and start offering services? - For a VOCC with a registered vessel, 7-10 working days. For a NVOCC, 7-10 working days after Bond is posted and license is issued (if required).

BONDING REQUIREMENTS FOR NVOCCS

  • How much are the required OTI Bonds? - U.S. Freight Forwarders - $50,000; licensed NVOCCs - $75,000; non-U.S. NVOCCs - $150,000.
  • How does my company secure a Bond? - From any insurance company licensed by the U.S. Treasury offering Bonds. Dart Maritime (DMS) manages the process of locating a licensed Bond Broker as part of our "Bond Referral Program".

OTI LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND TIMELINE

  • What are the OTI license requirements? - A qualifying individual or "Q.I." with 3 years of verifiable industry experience and a background check to determine if applicant has the character to offer shipping services to the general public.
  • Is there a fee for the OTI license? - The FMC charges an application fee of $1304.
  • Can Dart Maritime Service submit the OTI license application on my behalf? - Yes, we can review and prepare a FMC-18 license application as a Freight Forwarder, NVOCC or both. Please request a customized quote to cover the application review and submission.
  • How long does it take to get an OTI license approved? - The FMC typically approves applications within 6-8 weeks; however, incomplete documentation or background check delays may extend this window.

TARIFF PUBLICATION RESPONSIBILITIES

  • What is a Tariff? - A published online document with the Rules, Surcharges and Freight Rates for cargo service offered in the U.S. foreign trade (46 CFR 520; 46 U.S.C. 40501-40503).
  • Where is the Tariff located? - Our public domain for hosted tariffs is www.tariffcenter.com. The location for all published tariffs can be found on the FMC's website - www.fmc.gov.
  • How do I get a Tariff published? - Our compliance team has over 40 years of tariff publication experience and thousands of published tariffs for large and small companies and can structure and publish on your behalf.
  • What goes in the Tariff? - Your operating "Rules", current "sell rates" for commodities shipped and all related additional charges for cargo movements to/from the U.S. by water with historical recordkeeping for the required 5 years.
  • Do I have to publish all my freight rates and make them public? - Yes, unless as a NVOCC you invoke the "NRA" exemption and maintain the required 5 years of history for FMC inspection. As a VOCC, cargo moving under a Service Contract filed with the FMC avoids public disclosure.
  • What is a NRA Exemption? - A statement that NVOCC Rate Arrangements or NRAs will be used. NRAs are a concise, one-time price agreement that must be correctly constructed, updated and managed as costs change while cargo is being shipped.
  • Can DMS staff help with NRAs? - Yes, we have a significant amount of experience with NRAs and can guide in the creation and construction of your NRA to meet all regulatory compliance standards.

TRADE CERTIFICATION

  • How do I know if my company is in full compliance with all FMC regulations? - When you receive your FMC assigned "Organization Number" or OTI License (if required). The issuance of your number and organizational listing at the FMC's website confirms a completed registration.
  • Are Bills of Lading required? - Yes, as all non-vessel operating "common carriers" (NVOCCs) and vessel operating "common carriers" (VOCCs) are required by U.S. and international law to issue a Bill of Lading when providing shipping services to the general public (46 USC 30701).

POST REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Will my company need a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)? - Only if you are planning to self-file in Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Automated Manifest System (AMS) for your import cargo.

COMPLIANCE SUPPORT SERVICES

  • Is there additional compliance support? - We have a "Preferred Partner Network" consisting of Maritime Attorneys, IP Lawyers, Cargo Specialists and Bond Brokers.
  • What other services are offered? - Dart Maritime Service has over 40 years of trade compliance experience and can assist with regulatory reviews, focused audits, digital training sessions, on-site training classes and other regulatory compliance help.
  • Can you give me more information on the benefits of becoming a NVOCC? - Yes, ask for our free information packet on the "Benefits of becoming a NVOCC".
  • What if I have specific questions or need more information? - Please reach out to us using any of the contact links below to arrange a free introductory call or to schedule a meeting.