₦airaland Forum

Hello:

I often hear people complain about getting ripped off by their shipping company (also known as a freight forwarder or NVOCC.) There is a fast and easy way to verify whether aforwarder is actually allowed to operate, which is to check the Federal Maritime Commission website at www.fmc.gov. If the company doesn't appear under the OTI (ocean transportation intermediary) list, it is operating without a license and bond and is prohibited from offering ocean transportation services. Click the OTI icon on the upper left side of the FMC homepage to view the list.

A company providing freight forwarding services without a licence can be fined by the FMC up to $30,000 per shipment. Note that this applies to companies operating in the US. While similar agencies may exist in the UK and other countries, I'm unfamiliar with law outside the United States.