FMC Number in Shipping: What It Is, How to Get It & Why It Matters
What is FMC Number in Shipping?
If you’re a freight forwarder looking to expand your business into the U.S. market, you’ve probably heard about the FMC in shipping. But what is it, and why is it important? Understanding FMC License: A Simple Guide for Freight Forwarders Seeking NVOCC Licenses in the U.S. Market
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the agency responsible for regulating international ocean transportation to and from the United States. It ensures that the shipping industry operates fairly and transparently, protecting both businesses and consumers.
If you want to operate as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)—essentially a freight forwarder that doesn’t own its own ships but still arranges ocean transport—you need to comply with FMC regulations. This includes obtaining an FMC license, which is crucial for doing business legally in the U.S. market.
GOL Client Experience
A Southeast Asian freight forwarder approached GOL after losing a tender because they lacked an FMC number. Their ocean carrier required a valid FMC license as a condition to sign a rate contract. Without it, they could not lock in contracted rates during a period of high freight volatility.
GOL completed their end-to-end setup in 38 days: OTI bond at a negotiated premium below their initial quote, SCAC code, FMC license, and AMS filing system activation. They signed their carrier contract within 45 days of first contacting us.
If you are in a similar situation, our team can assess your profile and provide a preliminary bond rate estimate before you commit to the process. Contact us at clients@golsolution.com.
What is the FMC Website in Shipping?
The FMC website is the official online portal where you can find all the information and tools you need related to U.S. maritime regulations. It’s your go-to resource for everything concerning FMC licensing, compliance, and more.
On the FMC website, you can:
– Learn about the requirements for obtaining an FMC license.
– Find forms and guidelines for submitting applications.
– Search for registered NVOCCs and other licensed entities.
– Access the FMC Tariff Filing System and other important resources.
The website is designed to help businesses like yours navigate the complex world of shipping regulations with ease. It’s also where you can manage your compliance duties, such as tariff filings and license renewals.
What is an FMC Number in Shipping?
An FMC number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Maritime Commission to companies that are registered and licensed as NVOCCs or Ocean Freight Forwarders. This number is crucial because it verifies that your company is legally authorized to operate in the U.S. shipping market.
Your FMC number is like a badge of credibility. It shows that you’ve met all the necessary legal requirements and are in good standing with the FMC. Without this number, you cannot legally provide NVOCC services in the U.S.
Having an FMC number also makes it easier for potential clients and partners to verify your credentials. They can look up your number on the FMC website to confirm that your company is properly licensed and compliant with U.S. regulations.
How to Search for an FMC Number on the FMC Website
If you need to find an FMC number—whether it’s your own or someone else’s—the FMC website makes it easy. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to search for an FMC number:
1. Visit the FMC Website: Go to the official FMC website at https://www2.fmc.gov/oti/NVOCC.aspx
2. Select the Type of Search: Choose the option to search for FMC License. You can search by company name, FMC number, or even by the state in which the company is registered.
3. Enter the Information: If you’re searching for a specific company, enter the company name or FMC number into the search field. If you’re looking for a list of licensed companies, you can enter broader criteria.
4. Review the Results: The search results will show you the FMC numbers of the companies that match your search criteria. You’ll also see additional information, such as the company’s status and any disciplinary actions.
5. Verify the Information: Double-check that the FMC number and company details match what you’re looking for. This ensures that the company is properly licensed and in good standing.
Why is the FMC Number Important In Shipping?
The FMC number is more than just a registration detail—it’s your key to accessing the U.S. shipping market. Without it, you can’t operate legally as an NVOCC in the United States. This number also helps build trust with clients, partners, and other stakeholders in the industry.
When you have an FMC number, it signals to the market that you’re a legitimate, reliable business that adheres to all the necessary regulations. This can give you a competitive edge, especially when dealing with U.S. shippers who prefer or require working with licensed NVOCCs.
What are the key steps to apply for an FMC ocean transportation license?
The FMC ocean transportation license application involves 6 essential steps that typically take 40-60 days to complete:
- Purchase OTI Bond and Customs Bond – Required surety bonds ranging from $75,000-$150,000 depending on business location
- Apply for FMC License – Submit formal application to Federal Maritime Commission
- Apply for SCAC Code – Obtain Standard Carrier Alpha Code for shipment identification
- Apply for Importer ID – Register with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Subscribe to tariff filing software – Required for rate publication compliance
- Subscribe to ACE and ISF filing software – Mandatory for customs declarations
Professional service providers can reduce processing time to 30-45 days through established vendor relationships and streamlined coordination across multiple agencies and stakeholders.
How long does the FMC approval process typically take for a new license?
Standard Processing Time: 40-60 days for self-managed applications
Expedited Processing: 30-45 days with professional service providers
The extended timeline results from coordinating multiple federal agencies, bond issuers, and software providers. Each step requires approval before proceeding to the next phase, creating potential delays if documentation is incomplete or requires revision.
What fees are involved in obtaining and maintaining an FMC NVOCC License?
US-Based Business Requirements
Total setup cost: $6,000-$10,000
Required components:
- Qualifying individual with 3+ years demonstrable OTI experience (salary and hiring costs)
- OTI Bond premium ($75,000 coverage) or Ocean Freight Forwarder Bond ($50,000 coverage)
- FMC License application fee
- SCAC Code registration
- Importer ID application
- Tariff filing software subscription
- ACE and ISF filing software subscription
Non-US Based Business Requirements
Total setup cost: $5,000-$12,000
Required components:
- OTI Bond premium ($150,000 coverage) plus Customs Bond ($50,000-$75,000 coverage)
- FMC License application fee
- SCAC Code registration
- Importer ID application
- Tariff filing software subscription
- ACE and ISF filing software subscription
Cost variations depend on company financial profile, incorporation date, and liability insurance coverage.
Why Freight Forwarders Choose GOL Solution for Their FMC License Setup?
Most businesses setting up an FMC license have to coordinate four or five separate vendors: a bond provider, an FMC consultant, a SCAC code registrar, a tariff filing software vendor, and a customs filing system provider. GOL is the only end-to-end provider that handles all of these in one engagement.
What GOL covers in a single FMC engagement
- OTI Bond (NVOCC Bond) — we work with multiple bond providers and negotiate the best rate based on your company’s financial profile. Foreign NVOCCs typically need $150,000 coverage; our team prepares your paperwork and uses a reputable
insurance partner to strengthen your profile during underwriting. - C3 Bond (Customs Bond) — required for US Customs filings; we handle this alongside the OTI bond.
- SCAC Code registration — Standard Carrier Alpha Code required for all US shipments.
- FMC License application — we manage the submission, follow up with the Federal Maritime Commission, and handle any document revisions.
- Tariff Filing Software — access to our AMS/tariff system, one of the few platforms with no minimum monthly transaction requirement.
- AMS and ISF filing support — a 24/7 filing team for companies without an in-house manifest team.
We can file AMS/ISF on your behalf while your license is being processed
If your company has active shipments to the US but your FMC application is still in progress, GOL can file AMS and ISF declarations using our own bond and FMC profile. This means your cargo keeps moving while you wait for approval, with no disruption to your operations.
We help you get the best OTI bond rate for your specific profile
OTI bond premiums are not fixed. They are calculated based on your company’s financial statements, years in operation, and insurance coverage. GOL works with multiple bond providers and a prestige insurance partner to build the strongest possible profile on your behalf. Our clients typically see 15-25% savings on bond premiums compared to going directly to a single provider.
Securing an FMC license to lock in carrier contracts
Many freight forwarders contact us specifically because an ocean carrier requires a valid FMC number before signing a rate contract. This matters most during periods of freight volatility like wars, pandemics, or economic disruptions – when contracted rates protect your US market margins. An FMC license is the prerequisite for signing directly with major ocean carriers.
Do I need an FMC license to file AMS/ISF for my shipments to the US?
Not necessarily. AMS and ISF filings require a valid CBP bond and ACE system access, not an FMC license directly. If you do not have your own FMC license yet, you can use a licensed NVOCC or service provider (like GOL) to file on your behalf under their bond and profile. The FMC license becomes mandatory when you want to operate as an NVOCC in your own name, sign contracts with ocean carriers, or issue your own House Bills of Lading.
Can GOL file AMS/ISF for my company while my FMC application is being processed?
Yes. GOL provides AMS and ISF filing services under our own FMC license and bond profile. If you have active US shipments but your license is still pending — which can take 30-60 days — we keep your cargo moving by filing on your behalf. This is one of the most common reasons freight forwarders contact us: they need a short-term filing solution while their own credentials are being set up.
How much does an OTI bond cost for a foreign NVOCC?
Foreign-based NVOCCs are required to hold a $150,000 OTI bond (versus $75,000 for US-incorporated entities). The actual annual premium varies based on your company’s financial statements, years in business, and insurance coverage. Working with a provider that has relationships with multiple bond underwriters like GOL means your profile is matched to the most competitive rate available. Based on our experience with 30+ NVOCC setups, total first-year costs for a foreign NVOCC typically range from $3,000 to $9,000 including all bonds, software, and filing fees.
What is the difference between an OTI bond and a C3 bond?
The OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) bond is required by the FMC for NVOCC licensing. It protects shippers against financial harm caused by an unlicensed or non-compliant NVOCC. The C3 bond (also called a Customs Bond or Continuous Bond) is required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for AMS and ISF filings. Most foreign NVOCCs need both. GOL handles the application and negotiation for both bond types as part of our FMC license package.
Do I need a qualifying individual (QI) as a foreign NVOCC?
No. Foreign-based NVOCCs are not required to employ a qualifying individual. This is a significant cost advantage over US-incorporated entities, which must employ a full-time QI with at least 3 years of ocean transportation intermediary experience. Instead, foreign NVOCCs must provide higher bond coverage ($150,000) and submit audited financial statements as part of their application.
Why do I need an FMC license to sign a contract with an ocean carrier?
Most major ocean carriers require that their contractual counterparts hold a valid FMC license before signing a Service Contract or NVOCC Service Arrangement (NSA). Without an FMC number, you cannot legally issue House Bills of Lading or enter binding rate agreements in the US market. This becomes especially critical during periods of freight rate volatility, having a signed carrier contract protects your margins when spot rates spike.
How long does the FMC license process take for a non-US company?
Standard processing is 40-60 days when managed independently. With GOL handling the coordination across bond providers, the FMC, SCAC registration, and software setup, this typically reduces to 30-45 days. The main variable is how quickly your financial documentation and insurance certificates can be prepared. GOL reviews your profile upfront and flags any documents likely to delay the process.
What AMS filing software do I need after getting my FMC license?
To file AMS (Automated Manifest System) declarations through the US CBP ACE portal, you need a compliant tariff filing system with AMS capability. GOL’s platform is one of the few AMS systems that does not impose a minimum monthly transaction requirement which matters for smaller freight forwarders with irregular US shipment volumes. Our system also includes ISF 10+2 filing and comes with a 24/7 filing team for companies that prefer to outsource their manifest operations entirely.
Can GOL help with FMC license renewal and ongoing compliance?
Yes. FMC compliance is not a one-time activity. It includes annual tariff filing updates, bond renewals, and ensuring your NVOCC registration remains in good standing with the FMC. GOL provides ongoing compliance management through our client portal, plus access to our filing team for clients who do not maintain an in-house manifest department.
Ready to get your FMC license?
GOL has helped 30+ freight forwarders and NVOCCs set up their FMC license, OTI bond, SCAC code, and AMS filing system from a single engagement. We handle the paperwork, bond negotiation, and ongoing compliance so you can focus on your business.
What you get with GOL’s FMC package:
• OTI Bond + C3 Bond negotiated across multiple providers
• FMC License application managed end-to-end
• SCAC Code registration
• AMS + ISF filing software (no minimum transaction requirement)
• 24/7 filing team for companies without in-house manifest staff
• AMS/ISF filing under GOL’s bond while your license is being processed
Contact us or email clients@golsolution.com for a free preliminary assessment.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the FMC in shipping is essential for any freight forwarder looking to enter the U.S. market. The FMC website is a vital resource for managing your compliance, obtaining an FMC number, and ensuring that your business meets all regulatory requirements.
Getting your FMC number is a critical step in your journey to becoming a licensed NVOCC in the United States. It opens up new opportunities and builds trust with potential clients and partners. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily navigate the FMC website and secure your place in the competitive U.S. shipping industry.
Remember, having your FMC number isn’t just a legal necessity—it’s a powerful tool that enhances your credibility and positions your company for success in the U.S. market. And if you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our comprehensive licensing services to streamline your journey and ensure ongoing compliance.
