FMC (Federal Maritime Commission):

• A U.S. government agency that regulates the ocean shipping industry.
• Oversees the licensing and compliance of companies involved in international ocean freight.
• Function as freight brokers or freight forwarders.

OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary):

This is a classification used by the FMC and includes two types of companies:

NVOCC (Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier):

• Acts like a carrier but doesn’t own the ships.
• Issues its own house bill of lading.
• Consolidates cargo and arranges transportation.

Freight Forwarder:

• Arranges cargo movement on behalf of shippers.
• Handles documentation, customs, and logistics coordination.