Freight glossary / Roles and parties

What is Ocean carrier in freight?

An ocean carrier operates the vessels that move containers between ports and owns most of the containers used on them. It sets the free time on its equipment, which is what per diem runs against. Its schedule reliability drives inland planning, because a vessel arriving late compresses everything downstream.

Also called: steamship line, vocc.

Related terms

• Container
• Per diem
• Drayage
• Freight forwarder