Course Catalog

3 Lessons

NVOCC Tariffs and Service Agreements

• Understand FMC requirements for NVOCC operation, including the differences for U.S.-based vs. foreign-based NVOCCs, and the tariff publication strategies.
• Learn about NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs), including required information, terms, documentation, and how they relate to NVO-to-VOCC service contracts.
• Recognize the meaning, benefits, and requirements of a Negotiated Rate Arrangement (NRA), including its use in co-loading and record-keeping obligations.

3 Lessons

NVOCC History, Competition, and Service Overview

• Understand why shippers and forwarders prefer using NVOCCs for LCL shipments, and how NVOCCs add value and compete with VOCCs.
• Recognize the factors influencing NVOCC freight rates, the essential information required for shipment quotations, and the mutual benefits of NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs) and Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs).
• Learn about the scope and options for NVO transportation, focusing on the planning, scheduling, and cargo acceptance for both LCL and FCL shipments.

1 Lessons

Cargo Acceptance and Delivery: Place, Dates, B/L, Rate Basis

• Understand how the place of cargo acceptance and delivery are specified on B/L instructions and the issued B/L, and the meaning of codes like “CY” and “CFS.”
• Learn about door-to-door cargo transportation B/Ls, service/tariff codes (traditional vs. ISA), and the significance of cargo acceptance, on-board, and issue dates on a B/L.
• Recognize the meaning of ” clean on-board” and understand the relationship between U.S. export license expiry, B/L dates, and export customs requirements.

1 Lessons

Flowcharting the Ocean Forwarder Process: Process Overview

•Flowchart interpretation
•Interpreting a generic overview of the ocean forwarder process

2 Lessons

Ocean Shipment Booking

• Understand the general characteristics and special requirements for ocean cargo bookings, including handling dangerous goods and cargo requiring specific stowage.
• Recognize the processes for standing bookings, service contracts, and booking revisions due to changes in cargo volume, weight, and characteristics.
• Differentiate between booking cancellations, no-shows, and acceptable vs. unacceptable booking rollovers.
• Learn how to ensure booking acceptance, including EDI booking confirmation procedures and review checklist.

4 Lessons

Ocean Forwarder Fees, Charges, and Compensation

• FMC prohibition against an ocean forwarder sharing its fees with an unlicensed party
• What entitles a forwarder to earn and accept “forwarder compensation” from an ocean carrier
• FMC prohibition of rebating “forwarder compensation” to a shipper

3 Lessons

Ocean Forwarder Liability & Relationships With Carriers

• International rules governing ocean carriage and carrier liability
• How cargo insurance addresses a shipper’s risk of loss, door-to-door
• Understand the unique “sea adventure” shared risk relationship between a shipper and an ocean vessel operator

3 Lessons

Shipper-Ocean Forwarder Relationships & Responsibilities

• Basic forwarder responsibilities as agent of the shipper
• Why it is good practice to have a comprehensive written agreement between a forwarder and shier covering terms and conditions of service
• Shipper and forwarder responsibilities under U.S. Foreign Trade Regulations and Export Administration Regulations

6 Lessons

Basics of US (FMC) Regulation of Ocean Cargo Transportation

• Key ways in which “OSRA 22” increased FMC regulation over shipping lines and ocean cargo terminals
• FMC requirements for NVOCCs to ship cargo through U.S. ports
• Adverse consequences that a forwarder found in violation of regulations may face, including FMC fines and sanctions

2 Lessons

Ocean Cargo & Multimodal Transportation

• Meaning of “through” cargo transportation
• Single mode vs. multimodal (intermodal) through transportation
• Benefits of a single through bill of lading

2 Lessons

Ocean Common Carrier Relationships and Competition

• Understand the unique “sea adventure” shared risk relationship between a shipper and an ocean vessel operator
• International rules governing ocean carriage and carrier liability
• How cargo insurance addresses a shipper’s risk of loss, door-to-door

5 Lessons

Basics of Ocean Cargo Transport

• Benefits of containerization in shipping
• Types of intermodal containers and chassis
• Contemporary container ship itineraries