How to read an FMC OTI record.

Identify the company

Search the FMC OTI directory by organization number, legal name, trade name, or location. Compare the company name, classification, address, and organization number before relying on the record. For an NVOCC-only search, start with the NVOCC directory.

Follow the FMC license lookup checklist to distinguish the organization number, license number, and bond number on a company profile.

Check licenses, registration, and bonds

NVOCC means non-vessel-operating common carrier. A foreign-registered NVOCC may have an organization number without a U.S. license number. Check the license number and renewal date when listed.

Check the bond number, amount, surety, and effective date. For records labeled NVOCC + freight forwarder, confirm which role the bond belongs to using the source.

Use the NVOCC license guide for license and registration fields and the NVOCC bond guide for bond-number checks. If the company acts as an ocean freight forwarder, read the freight forwarder license guide.

Check notices and source dates

A record appearing in this directory is separate from licensing status. Check the latest FMC register, then compare the check date, FMC source date, and any tariff or non-compliance notice date.

Company pages link to the official register and show tariff references when available. Use those links to verify the current notice or source record.

Review dated changes

Open Recorded changes on a company page to see what changed and when. If list counts differ, compare the organization number and source dates first.

For an operational review, keep the organization number, official source, and relevant dates with the record. Complete any separate contractual, sanctions, insurance, or operational checks you require. See data status for the latest refresh information.