DMS Trade Services/Dart Maritime Service (DMS) Regulatory Compliance Resources FAQ Published: August 21, 2026 By: Willie Jefferson What is the FMC? The FMC or the Federal Maritime Commission, is the U.S. government agency responsible for the licensing, bonding and oversight of companies offering ocean common carriage services in the U.S. foreign trade. Who must register with the FMC? Any company offering ocean based common carriage freight services in the U.S. foreign trade. What are the types of registration? There are basically two (2) types of registration, as a Vessel Operator or VOCC and as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary or OTI. 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? If based in the U.S. a license and a Bond is required. If based outside the U.S., simple registration with a higher bond amount. Are there different types of OTIs? Yes, either as a Freight Forwarder or a NVOCC. 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. How much are the required OTI Bonds? Freight Forwarders need a $50,000 Bond and a license to offer services to the general public. NVOCCs need a $75,000 Bond and a license if based in the U.S. If outside the U.S., a $150,000 Bond, but no license is required. How does my company secure a Bond? From any insurance company licensed by the U.S. Treasury offering Bonds. Dart Maritime can assist with locating a licensed Bond Broker as part of our "Bond Referral Program". What is the difference between a NVOCC and VOCC? NVOCCs are "common carriers" that do not own or operate a vessel. 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). What's involved with registration? Completion of the FMC-1 showing the location of the published Rules 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 with the FMC - https://www2.fmc.gov/FMC1Users/scripts/ExtReportsTOC.asp. How do I get a Tariff published? Contact the experts at Dart Maritime Service with over 40 years of tariff publication experience and thousands of published tariffs for large and small companies. What goes in the Tariff? Your current "sell rate" and all related additional charges for cargo movements to/from the U.S. by water. Do I have to publish all my freight rates and make them public? Yes, unless you take the "NRA" exemption, follow the requirements and keep in-house for FMC inspection for 5 years. What is a NRA? NVOCC Rate Arrangement or a small, "spot" agreement that must be managed. Can you help with NRAs? Yes, the experts at Dart Maritime Service can assist with construction and creation of your NRA offerings. How do I know if my company is in full compliance with all regulations? Dart Maritime Service has 40 years of trade compliance experience and can assist with regulatory reviews, spot audits, video calls, video classes, on-site training classes and regulatory compliance help. Can Dart Maritime Service help with other compliance issues? We have a "Preferred Partner Network" consisting of a Maritime Attorney, IP Lawyers, Cargo Specialists and Bond Brokers. Can you give me more information on becoming a NVOCC? Yes, ask for our free information packet on the benefits of becoming a NVOCC. How can I register my company with the FMC? Contact the experts a Dart Maritime Service for more information and free information on registration services. Can Dart Maritime Service help with getting an OTI license? Yes, we can review and prepare a FMC-18 application for a license as a Freight Forwarder, NVOCC or both. What do I need to get a OTI license approved? A qualifying individual with 3 years of verifiable experience in the industry and a background check to determine if applicant has the character to offer shipping services to the general public. How long does it take to get an OTI license approved? There is no specific timetable stipulated by the FMC, but generally 6-8 weeks after the application has been submitted. Is there a cost to apply for an OTI license? The FMC charges an application fee of $1304 as published on their website - https://www.fmc.gov/licensing-and-certification/ -------------- SOURCES www.fmc.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/chapter-IV www.dmstradeservices.com www.dartmaritime.com www.tariffcenter.com DMS Trade Services/Dart Maritime Service 227 W. 4th St. Charlotte, NC 28202 info@dartmaritime.com 1-704-837-7950 (p) WhatsApp 1-704-762-7471