Introduction
NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers) have unique software requirements beyond standard freight forwarding. You issue your own bills of lading, manage consolidations, coordinate with carriers, and handle compliance—all requiring specialized capabilities.
Generic logistics software often falls short. You need platforms that understand NVOCC operations: House B/L generation, Master/House relationships, LCL consolidation, ISF filing, and container tracking across dozens of carriers.
This guide covers the top software solutions for NVOCC operations: - Purpose-built features for NVOCCs - Platform comparisons and recommendations - Integration requirements - How to evaluate for your operation
“We used to handle 100 shipments a month, and suddenly, we were managing 200.” — Joan Chou, VP, Headwin Global Logistics
Whether you’re launching NVOCC operations or seeking to modernize existing systems, understanding the software landscape helps you choose platforms that support—rather than constrain—your growth.
What This Guide Covers: - Critical NVOCC software capabilities - Top platform options - Evaluation criteria - Implementation considerations
→ New to NVOCC operations? Read our What is NVOCC? guide first.
What Makes NVOCC Software Different
Beyond Standard Freight Forwarding
NVOCC operations require capabilities that standard freight forwarding software may lack:
1. House Bill of Lading Generation NVOCCs issue their own bills of lading—the contract of carriage between NVOCC and shipper. Software must generate compliant, professional HBLs.
2. Master/House B/L Relationship Every NVOCC shipment involves both: - House B/L (NVOCC to shipper) - Master B/L (carrier to NVOCC)
Software must track this relationship clearly.
3. LCL Consolidation Management Consolidating multiple shippers’ cargo into shared containers requires: - CBM/weight calculation per shipper - Individual HBLs per shipper - Cost allocation - CFS (Container Freight Station) coordination
4. Multi-Carrier Connectivity NVOCCs work with numerous ocean carriers. Software needs carrier integrations for: - Booking confirmation - Container tracking - Documentation
5. ISF Filing Integration For US imports, NVOCCs often handle ISF filing. Integrated ISF eliminates re-entry.
→ Need ISF capabilities? See our ISF Filing Software Guide.
The Consolidation Complexity
LCL consolidation adds operational layers:
| Element | FCL Shipment | LCL Consolidation |
|---|---|---|
| Shippers per container | One | Multiple (3-10+) |
| Bills of lading | One HBL | Multiple HBLs + MBL |
| Revenue tracking | Single invoice | Multiple invoices per container |
| Coordination | Shipper → Carrier | Multiple shippers → CFS → Carrier |
Software that handles FCL well may struggle with consolidation complexity.
Compliance Requirements
NVOCC operations face specific compliance obligations: - FMC licensing and bond maintenance - Tariff publication requirements - ISF filing (for US imports) - AMS transmission
Software should support—or at least not complicate—these requirements.
Essential NVOCC Software Features
Core Documentation
House Bill of Lading - Professional HBL generation - Configurable formats - Electronic and print options - Amendment tracking
Master B/L Tracking - Link HBLs to corresponding MBL - Track MBL receipt/release - Visibility across documentation chain
Arrival Notice - Automated generation - Customer distribution - Charge details included
Shipment Management
Ocean FCL Operations - Booking management - Container tracking (125+ carriers) - Milestone visibility - Exception alerts
LCL Consolidation - Multi-shipper container management - CBM/weight calculation - Revenue allocation - CFS coordination
Carrier Integration - Booking confirmation connectivity - Schedule lookup - Rate management - Track and trace
Compliance Features
ISF Filing - Integrated ISF generation - ABI connectivity - Status tracking - Amendment handling
AMS/ACI Connectivity - Automated manifest transmission - Hold/release visibility - Customs status tracking
Financial Management
Customer Invoicing - Per-shipment billing - Consolidation cost allocation - Credit management
Agent Settlement - Overseas agent billing - Commission calculation - Multi-currency support
Accounting Integration - Connectivity with major accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, and others) - P&L by shipment visibility - Revenue/cost matching
Customer Experience
Customer Portal - Shipment tracking - Document access - Branded experience
Automated Notifications - Milestone updates - Exception alerts - Arrival/delivery notifications
Top NVOCC Software Solutions
#1: GoFreight — Best for Mid-Market NVOCCs
Rating: 4.8/5 (G2) Best For: NVOCCs with 10-100 employees Implementation: 4-8 weeks
Why It’s Top-Rated: GoFreight is purpose-built for freight forwarding operations including NVOCC-specific workflows. It combines operational capabilities with the highest user ratings in the category.
NVOCC Capabilities: - House B/L generation with professional formatting - Master/House B/L relationship tracking - ISF filing integration - 125+ carrier tracking integrations - Customer portal with branded tracking - Native accounting software integrations (QuickBooks, Xero, and more)
Customer Results: > “Switching to GoFreight was a game-changer… I save at least 50% of my time.” — Jason Hsu, Owner, Whale US
“GoFreight is very user friendly, and I am quick in the system.” — Janko Wille, CEO, Allround Forwarding Midwest
Best Fit: ✓ US/Canada-based NVOCCs ✓ Ocean freight focus ✓ 10-100 employees ✓ Companies valuing fast implementation
→ See how GoFreight compares: GoFreight vs CargoWise
#2: CargoWise — Best for Enterprise NVOCCs
Rating: 4.3/5 (G2) Best For: Global NVOCCs (200+ employees) Implementation: 6-12+ months
Why Consider It: CargoWise offers comprehensive NVOCC capabilities within an enterprise platform. For large global NVOCCs, it provides depth across all workflows.
NVOCC Capabilities: - Complete documentation suite - Global carrier connectivity - Multi-location consolidation - Extensive customization
Considerations: > “I’m scared to death every time I see a bill from CargoWise.” — Branch Manager at a mid-size US forwarder
- Enterprise pricing ($500-2,000+/user)
- 6-12+ month implementation
- Complexity may exceed mid-market needs
Best Fit: ✓ Global NVOCCs with 200+ employees ✓ Multi-continent operations ✓ Dedicated IT resources
→ Considering alternatives? See CargoWise Alternatives.
#3: Magaya — Best for WMS-Integrated NVOCC
Rating: 4.1/5 (G2) Best For: NVOCCs with warehouse operations Implementation: 8-12 weeks
Why Consider It: Magaya combines freight forwarding with warehouse management—relevant if you operate CFS or warehouse facilities.
NVOCC Capabilities: - Bill of lading generation - Warehouse integration (Catapult) - Forwarding workflows
Considerations: - 71% of users cite outdated UI - Longer implementation than alternatives
Best Fit: ✓ NVOCCs with CFS/warehouse operations ✓ Companies where WMS is primary need
→ Explore options: Magaya Alternatives
Comparison Matrix
| Platform | Best For | Rating | Implementation | NVOCC Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoFreight | Mid-market NVOCCs | 4.8/5 | 4-8 weeks | Full NVOCC workflow |
| CargoWise | Enterprise NVOCCs | 4.3/5 | 6-12 months | Comprehensive |
| Magaya | WMS-integrated | 4.1/5 | 8-12 weeks | Good basics |
Evaluating NVOCC Software
Critical Questions
Documentation: - Can we generate House B/Ls in our format? - How is Master/House relationship tracked? - Can we customize document layouts?
Consolidation: - How are multi-shipper containers managed? - How is revenue allocated per shipper? - Can we track CBM/weight by shipper?
Compliance: - Is ISF filing integrated or separate? - How is AMS transmission handled? - What carrier connectivity exists?
Integration: - Does it integrate with your accounting software? - What carrier tracking is available? - Can customers access a portal?
Evaluation Process
Step 1: Document Requirements List your NVOCC-specific needs: - HBL volume - Consolidation complexity - Carrier mix - Compliance requirements
Step 2: Narrow Options Match requirements to platform capabilities. Don’t evaluate enterprise software if you’re mid-market.
Step 3: Demo with Real Scenarios Test with your actual workflows: - Create HBL from booking - Track consolidation - Generate ISF - Run financial reports
Step 4: Check References Ask for NVOCC customer references. How does the platform work for operations like yours?
Red Flags
No HBL Generation If software can’t generate your bills of lading, it’s not NVOCC software.
Manual Consolidation Tracking If you need spreadsheets for consolidation, the platform doesn’t support NVOCC operations.
Disconnected ISF ISF in a separate system means re-entry and potential compliance gaps.
→ Ready to evaluate? See our Best Freight Management Software comparison.
FAQs: NVOCC Software
What is NVOCC software? NVOCC software is freight management software with capabilities specific to Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers: House B/L generation, Master/House tracking, consolidation management, and ISF filing integration.
What’s the difference between NVOCC software and freight forwarding software? NVOCC software includes capabilities freight forwarders without NVOCC licenses don’t need—primarily House B/L generation and consolidation management. Many freight forwarding platforms include NVOCC capabilities.
Do NVOCCs need special software? Not necessarily “special” software, but software with NVOCC-specific features. Platforms like GoFreight include NVOCC capabilities. Generic logistics software often lacks these features.
What is consolidation software? Consolidation software manages LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments where multiple shippers share containers. It tracks individual shippers, calculates CBM/weight, generates individual HBLs, and allocates costs.
How does NVOCC software handle ISF? Good NVOCC software integrates ISF filing—shipment data flows to ISF without re-entry. Standalone ISF systems require manual data transfer.
Conclusion
NVOCC operations require software that goes beyond generic freight forwarding—House B/L generation, consolidation management, and compliance integration are essential.
For mid-market NVOCCs (10-100 employees), purpose-built platforms like GoFreight deliver the best outcome: - Complete NVOCC workflow in one system - Highest user ratings (4.8/5) - Fast implementation (4-8 weeks) - Native accounting software integrations
“GoFreight is my first choice because it’s a perfect package.” — Rebecca Zhang, CEO, TG Cargo Inc.
Enterprise NVOCCs may require platforms like CargoWise—but most mid-market operations don’t need enterprise complexity.
The right NVOCC software handles your documentation, consolidation, and compliance while scaling with your growth. The wrong choice means spreadsheet workarounds and operational friction.
Ready to see purpose-built NVOCC software? Request a GoFreight Demo →
Related Content
- What is NVOCC? — NVOCC fundamentals
- ISF Filing Software Guide — Compliance integration
- Best Freight Forwarding Software — Platform comparison
- CargoWise Alternatives — Enterprise options
