Service
NVOCC Services
As a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier we issue our own house bill of lading and buy container space in bulk from ocean carriers.
Overview
An NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) acts as a carrier to its customers without owning ships. We contract space with shipping lines, issue our own house bill of lading (HBL) to you, and take responsibility for the shipment under that document.
For shippers this means one contract, one point of contact and access to rates and space that individual shippers often cannot secure directly — particularly for LCL and smaller FCL volumes.
What’s included
House bill of lading
ARK-issued HBLs for FCL and LCL shipments, with switch and telex release options where the trade allows.
Space and rate access
Allocations with multiple carriers so we can offer alternatives when a sailing is full or rates move.
LCL consolidation
We build and load our own consolidation boxes, giving small shippers regular departures.
Destination agent coordination
Arrival notices, delivery orders and release handled with our agents at the port of discharge.
Freight terms flexibility
Prepaid or collect freight, arranged to match the Incoterms agreed with your buyer or supplier.
Cargo visibility
Booking, gate-in, loading and discharge milestones shared proactively.
How it works
Rate request
Tell us the lane, cargo and volume; we compare carriers within our allocations.
Booking & HBL instructions
You provide shipper, consignee and notify party details for the house B/L.
Loading
Cargo is stuffed (or consolidated) and loaded on the vessel under the master B/L.
HBL issue
We issue your house B/L — original, express or telex release as agreed.
Release at destination
Our agent issues the delivery order to your consignee against the HBL.
Who it’s for
- SMEs that cannot commit volumes directly to shipping lines
- Traders who need flexible B/L terms
- Shippers consolidating cargo from several suppliers
Industries we often support with this service: General Trading Companies, Textile & Garment Traders, Plastic & Raw Material Traders.
NVOCC Services FAQs
What is the difference between an NVOCC and a freight forwarder?
A freight forwarder arranges transport on your behalf as an agent. An NVOCC also acts as a carrier: it issues its own house bill of lading and is responsible to the shipper under that contract, while buying space from the ocean carrier under a master bill of lading.
What is a house bill of lading?
A house bill of lading (HBL) is the transport document issued by the NVOCC to the actual shipper. The NVOCC in turn receives a master bill of lading (MBL) from the shipping line. Your consignee collects the cargo against the HBL through our destination agent.
Can you issue a telex release or express B/L?
Yes. Where both parties agree and payment terms allow, we can arrange telex release or a seaway bill so your consignee can take delivery without waiting for original documents.
Often combined with
Related services
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