AccountancyISCO 3324

Non-vessel operating common carrier

Non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC) are consolidators in ocean trades who will buy space from a carrier and sub-sell it to smaller ship­pers. They issue bills of lading, publish tariffs and otherwise conducts themselves as ocean common carriers.

Check yourself in a minute: non-vessel operating common carrier

Rate 5 of the 24 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

weigh shipments

prepare bills of lading

apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulations

make bids in forward auctions

handle shipment paperwork

About non-vessel operating common carrier

As a non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC), you operate as a consolidator in international ocean freight, purchasing cargo space from major shipping lines and reselling it to smaller shippers. You manage the complex logistics of international trade by issuing bills of lading, establishing tariffs, and coordinating the movement of goods across borders. Your daily responsibilities include preparing shipping documentation, ensuring customs compliance, managing freight payments, booking cargo space, and handling import-export procedures. You must stay informed about current tariffs, regulations, and shipping rates to provide competitive services. Your expertise in maritime commerce, logistics coordination, and regulatory compliance is crucial for facilitating efficient global trade and ensuring goods reach their destinations on time and within budget.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a non-vessel operating common carrier.

1

Cargo Booking and Space Management

  • Book cargo space from shipping lines and manage allocation to shippers
  • Consolidate shipments from multiple shippers to optimize space utilization
  • Manage freight payment methods and billing procedures
  • Weigh shipments and calculate freight charges
2

Documentation and Customs Compliance

  • Prepare bills of lading and shipping documentation
  • Ensure cargo complies with customs regulations and import-export requirements
  • Control and manage trade commercial documentation
  • Keep up-to-date on current customs regulations and procedures
3

Tariff Management and Pricing Strategy

  • Publish and maintain competitive tariffs for shipping services
  • Analyze shipping rates and market trends
  • Make competitive bids in forward auctions and rate negotiations
  • Set import-export strategies to maximize profitability
4

Cargo Operations and Logistics Coordination

  • Coordinate export transportation activities and logistics
  • Oversee cargo storage requirements and warehouse management
  • Handle shipment paperwork and tracking
  • Apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with regulations
5

License Management and Regulatory Compliance

  • Manage import-export licenses and permits
  • Ensure compliance with shipment regulations and maritime law
  • Maintain records of all regulatory filings and documentation
6

International Trade and Communications

  • Use maritime English for international communications with shipping partners
  • Understand and apply international tariffs and cartography
  • Manage principles of cargo stowage and types of packaging for shipments

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (24)

cartographycartographyThe study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.types of packaging used in industrial shipmentstypes of packaging used in industrial shipmentsThe various types of packaging materials used for industrial shipments, according to the type of goods to be shipped.principles of cargo stowageprinciples of cargo stowageThe principles of cargo stowage. The procedures by which containers should be efficiently loaded and unloaded, taking into account gravitational forces that are exerted during transportation.weigh shipmentsweigh shipmentsWeigh shipments and calculate the maximum weights and dimensions, per package or per item, for each consignment.prepare bills of ladingprepare bills of ladingPrepare bills of lading and associated shipping documentation in accordance with customs and legal requirements.apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulationsapply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulationsApply the different procedures required to meet customs obligations when transporting goods across borders and arriving via ports/airports or any other logistics hub, such as producing written customs...make bids in forward auctionsmake bids in forward auctionsCreate and provide forward bids, taking into account possible special requirements such as refrigeration of goods or transport of potentially hazardous materials.handle shipment paperworkhandle shipment paperworkHandle paperwork containing information on shipments and attached to goods about to be shipped. Ensure that identification information is complete, visible, and in compliance with all regulations. Che...ensure compliance with shipment regulationsensure compliance with shipment regulationsEnsure compliance with shipment laws, regulations and policies; keep shipments secure and damage free; ensure the safety of staff members handling the cargo.coordinate export transportation activitiescoordinate export transportation activitiesCoordinate all export transportation operations while considering export strategies and services.oversee cargo storage requirementsoversee cargo storage requirementsOversee the implementation of requirements in the storage of customer cargo.use maritime Englishuse maritime EnglishCommunicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.book cargobook cargoBook cargo for shipment following customer specifications.keep up-to-date to current customs regulationskeep up-to-date to current customs regulationsFollow the latest developments and changes occurred in customs regulations and government policies related to international trade.coordinate import transportation activitiescoordinate import transportation activitiesOversee import transportation operations; optimise import processes and service strategies.match vessels to shipping routesmatch vessels to shipping routesUnderstand how particular types of ships are transport different kinds of cargo and operate on different shipping routes. Know the current maritime routes to plan and schedule the arrival and departur...manage import export licensesmanage import export licensesEnsure the effective issuing of permits and licenses in import and export processes.analyse shipping ratesanalyse shipping ratesAccess information about shipping rates and compare the information across providers. Use this information to prepare bids for clients.prepare freight shipment reportsprepare freight shipment reportsCompose and submit freight shipment reports. Include detailed information on freight conditions and freight handling; report problems if necessary.plan transport operationsplan transport operationsPlan mobility and transport for different departments, in order to obtain the best possible movement of equipment and materials. Negotiate the best possible delivery rates; compare different bids and ...manage freight payment methodsmanage freight payment methodsManage freight payment methods in accordance with the procedure that must be followed wherein payment is made around the time the freight is due to arrive, clear customs, and be released.set import export strategiesset import export strategiesDevelop and plan the strategies for import and export, according to the size of the company, the nature of its products, expertise and business conditions on the international markets.international tariffsinternational tariffsThe international tariffs, taxes, or duties that must be paid on a particular class of import or export materials.control trade commercial documentationcontrol trade commercial documentationMonitor written records containing information related to commercial transactions such as invoice, letter of credit, order, shipping, certificate of origin.
Optional (9) — show
types of maritime vesselstypes of maritime vesselsVarious types of maritime vessels such as container ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, and their characteristics and specifications, security, technical, and maintenance requirements.international businessinternational businessThe processes related to production or distribution of goods and services across borders.vessel stability principlesvessel stability principlesThoroughly understand the principles of vessel stability; follow safety requirements during loading and unloading of cargo.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.negotiate logistics servicesnegotiate logistics servicesReach an agreement on the planning and control of the movement of goods, and all related logistical supporting activities without losing sight of one's own or others' goals.receive shipment packaging informationreceive shipment packaging informationReceive information from consignors about the goods, about aspects of the paperwork, and about how the goods should be packed and loaded onto trucks. Understand information and rigorously apply instru...have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

Frequently asked questions

What does a non-vessel operating common carrier do?

Non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC) are consolidators in ocean trades who will buy space from a carrier and sub-sell it to smaller ship­pers. They issue bills of lading, publish tariffs and otherwise conducts themselves as ocean common carriers.

What skills does a non-vessel operating common carrier need?

A non-vessel operating common carrier needs 24 essential skills, including cartography, types of packaging used in industrial shipments, principles of cargo stowage, weigh shipments, prepare bills of lading.

Will AI replace non-vessel operating common carrier jobs?

The AI disruption score for non-vessel operating common carrier is 61/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: weigh shipments, prepare bills of lading, handle shipment paperwork. Most resilient: act reliably, negotiate logistics services, have computer literacy.

AI Replacement Risk

61/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk

This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.

Check your own AI risk
View full AI disruption analysis →

Quick Facts

ISCO GroupBusiness and administration associate professionals
Essential Skills24

What are you missing to work as non-vessel operating common carrier?

The free skill gap analysis compares your skills with what this occupation requires and shows where to start.

Check your gaps