NVOCC stands for non vessel operating common carrier.  The dictionary term for an NVOCC would be:

Non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) : one type of sea freight forwarder. Instead of using their own ships, they operate as transportation or logistics intermediaries. That is, they book space on ships and sell it in smaller quantities, consolidating freight for transport in standard containers.  NVOCCs are those who own their own containers but don't own and operate vessels. These NVOCCs buy container space on seafreight vessels from vessel operators and, inturn, will sell sea freight services in terms of Full Container Load[FCL] and Less than Container Load [LCL] to their customers.

Cargo Overseas Limited are an NVOCC who operate their own container and groupage services aroud the world.  Like all NVOCC's we operate in a complex marketplace where a balance between quality of service against an economical pricing structure have to be balanced for each and every customer. 

Where Cargo Overseas reputation as an NVOCC comes into it's own is in the diverse areas we operate, and the fact that the space we buy on seafreight vessels is sold to shippers, manufacturers but also to our competitors.  Freight-Forwarders who cannot buy space on vessels or do not want the responsibility of operating as an NVOCC buy vessel space from Cargo Overseas, predominantly out of the UK but with our close working relationship with vessel operators and shipping lines also from around the world.