A Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) is a type of ocean carrier that acts as an intermediary between shippers and vessel operating common carriers (VOCCs). An NVOCC doesn't operate its own ships, but instead, they lease space on ships operated by other companies to transport goods. They issue their own bill of lading or equivalent documentation to the shipper, acting as the carrier for the shipment. They also act as a freight forwarder for the shipment, arranging all the logistics for moving the cargo from the shipper's location to the port of loading and arranging for customs clearance. The NVOCCs use the space from the VOCCs to offer their own freight rate to the customer and this way they provide an alternative to the customer and provide a competitive edge by providing competitive freight rates and transit times.

Many NVOCCs own their own fleet of shipping containers, which allow them to control the supply of containers and better manage their logistics operations. Some NVOCCs may also provide additional services such as warehousing, which may add to the logistics capabilities of the NVOCC and help them to provide an all-inclusive logistics solution to the customers.