Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) Practice Test 2026 – Your All-in-One Resource to Complete Exam Success!

The essential function of a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) in logistics is providing container-based services as a cargo consolidator. NVOCCs play a pivotal role in international shipping by acting as intermediaries between shippers and ship operators. They do not own the vessels that carry the cargo but instead facilitate the transportation process by consolidating cargo from multiple clients into full container loads. This consolidation allows for more efficient use of shipping resources and often leads to cost savings for shippers, as they only pay for the space their cargo occupies, rather than the cost of an entire container.

Additionally, NVOCCs issue their own bills of lading, which makes them responsible for the cargo once it is loaded onto the ship. This ability to provide ocean freight services without owning the vessels themselves differentiates them from traditional freight forwarders. By focusing on container-based services and consolidation, NVOCCs simplify logistics for their clients, allowing for smoother transportation processes across global supply chains.