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

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

SOURCES

www.fmc.gov
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-IV
46 USC 30701
Public Law 98-237
Public Law 117-146
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..
  • 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 register 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 do I need to get an OTI license approved? - 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 cost to apply for an OTI license? - The FMC charges an application fee of $1304. If DMS is engaged to file on your behalf, 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.
  • Can Dart Maritime Service process the OTI license application? - Yes, we can review and prepare a FMC-18 license application as a Freight Forwarder, NVOCC or both.

CREATING AND MAINTAINING A TARIFF

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 you take the "NRA" exemption if a NVOCC and keep in-house for FMC inspection for 5 years, or as a VOCC and offer a Service Contract filed with the FMC.
  • What is a NVOCC Rate Arrangement or NRA? - A "NRA" is a concise, one-time price agreement that must be correctly constructed, updated as costs change and managed while cargo is being shipped.
  • Can you help with NRAs? - Yes, we can guide in the creation and construction of your NRA to meet all compliance standards.

FMC 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 "common carriers" are required by international law to issue a Bill of Lading when providing shipping services to the general public.

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.

COMPANY 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".
  • Have any specific questions or need more information? - Reach out to us using any of the contact links below.