🚢 These two terms are very familiar in the import-export industry — but by understanding the nature and role of each, businesses can choose the most efficient transportation partner.
Let’s explore with ABA Logistics! 👇
Shipping Line
A Shipping Line is a carrier that owns and operates vessels — directly transporting goods from the port of origin to the destination port.
Key features:
🔹 Owns ships and containers.
🔹 Controls schedules and shipping routes.
🔹 Issues the Master Bill of Lading (MBL).
🔹 Ideal for Full Container Load (FCL) shipments or businesses with large export volumes.
NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier)
An NVOCC is a carrier that does not own vessels — instead, it leases space and containers from major shipping lines, then consolidates smaller shipments from multiple clients into one container.
Key features:
🔹 Does not own ships.
🔹 Issues the House Bill of Lading (HBL).
🔹 More flexible, suitable for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments or small businesses.
💡 SO, WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
👉 Choose Shipping Line if:
• Your company exports/imports frequently and in large volumes.
• You need stable schedules and better rates by working directly with carriers.
👉 Choose NVOCC if:
• Your cargo volume is small and needs consolidation to save costs.
• You need flexibility in schedule, route, or value-added services.
👉 In practice, many businesses today combine both models, depending on the route, cargo type, and actual demand.
🚀 At ABA Logistics, we deliver comprehensive logistics solutions for your business:
✅ Optimize transportation costs
✅ Flexible routing and scheduling options
✅ Ensure safety & document transparency
