An NVOCC reserves and books space on ships and sell it in smaller quantities, consolidating freight for transport in standard containers. NVOCC are those who own their own containers but don't own and operate vessels. These NVOCCs buy container space in vessels from vessel operators and in turn will sell sea freight service in terms of Full Container Load FCL / Less than Container Load LCL to their customers.
One of the largest NVOCC's is See-Sped USA. www.nvocc.ws
Smaller shippers, with less-than-containerload (LCL) shipments, can take advantage of the lower costs associated with being a big shipper. Non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) book space on steamships in large quantities at lower rates and sell space to shippers in smaller amounts. NVOCCs consolidate small shipments into containerloads that move under one bill of lading. More favorable rates are passed on to the shipper.