FMC Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Practice Test
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) License is the mandatory federal credential for entities operating as ocean freight forwarders and/or non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) in the United States. Administered by the FMC under the Shipping Act of 1984, this license authorizes a company to arrange, book, and issue bills of lading for the international ocean transportation of cargo. Obtaining the license demonstrates to regulators, carriers, and shippers that the OTI meets stringent financial responsibility requirements (via a bond or other security) and possesses the necessary qualifications to operate legally and ethically. For professionals, securing this license for their company is a career-defining achievement that validates deep expertise in regulatory compliance, tariff publishing, service contracting, and liability management within the complex framework of U.S. maritime law. It is not an individual practitioner's license but a corporate credential that is essential for market entry and operational legitimacy.
Sample Questions
Try a few questions to see what the full exam is like.
Blue Harbor Logistics, acting as an NVOCC, receives a demurrage invoice from a VOCC dated May 5 for a container of lithium battery components. It plans to rebill its shipper 45 calendar days later after internal review. Under the current FMC demurrage and detention billing rule, what is the best answer?
Keystone Ocean Lines's NRA for Charleston to Felixstowe lists a base ocean rate but says 'all future pass-through charges at cost plus 12 percent.' After receiving the first shipment, a terminal fee appears that was not fixed in the NRA or rules tariff. What is the best compliance answer?
Atlas Bridge Freight, a Delaware corporation, wants to advertise itself next month as arranging ocean export bookings from Los Angeles to Shanghai. Its proposed qualifying individual has four years of U.S. ocean forwarding experience but is only a sales consultant, not an officer or employee with management authority. What should the compliance manager require before the company holds itself out as an OTI?
Pacific Mesa Forwarding is a licensed OFF and later decides to add NVOCC authority for weekly consolidated shipments of retail apparel. The operations team argues that the existing OFF license number can simply be printed on the new house bills. What must happen first?
Union Bay NVOCC is a licensed OFF and later decides to add NVOCC authority for weekly consolidated shipments of retail apparel. The operations team argues that the existing OFF license number can simply be printed on the new house bills. What must happen first?
Why This Certification Opens Doors
This license is the fundamental legal gateway to operating a freight forwarding or NVOCC business in the U.S. It is not merely a credential but a regulatory requirement that carries significant weight. Possessing an FMC OTI License confers immediate industry recognition and credibility, signaling to partners and clients that your organization adheres to the highest standards of financial stability and professional conduct. For career advancement, involvement in the licensing process or working for a licensed OTI places professionals at the core of international logistics operations, opening doors to leadership roles in compliance, operations, and executive management. It is a non-negotiable mark of a serious, trustworthy player in the global supply chain.