A Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) is a company that acts as a carrier and provides ocean freight transportation services, but does not own or operate its own ships. Instead, the NVOCC contracts with shipping lines to move cargo on their vessels. The NVOCC acts as a consolidator, grouping smaller shipments together to fill a full container, and then issuing a bill of lading for the consolidated shipment to the shipper.

A freight forwarder is a company that specializes in arranging the transportation of goods on behalf of its clients. Freight forwarders do not transport goods themselves, but rather act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, coordinating the movement of cargo and handling the logistics of transporting goods by sea, air, road, or rail. Freight forwarders may also provide additional services such as customs clearance, cargo insurance, and warehousing.

While both NVOCCs and freight forwarders play a role in the movement of international cargo, they differ in the specific services they offer and their role in the transportation process.