To become a NVOCC, first the company must already be a licensed freight forwarder. Not all freight forwarders are NVOCCs.
A NVOCC’s primary role is as a carrier, they usually specialize in on-selling seafreight in bulk, from port to port. They have close relationships with various shipping lines and can offer competitive rates to move freight in bulk via sea transport. Whereas, a freight forwarder will usually specialize in a wider range of services and will offer various modes of transportation, via road, rail, air or sea.
NVOCCs may only focus on selling seafreight in bulk, whereas freight forwarders usually specialize in providing tailored freight options to move shipments from origin to beyond the port of destination.