NVOCC & shipping agency
NVOCC Company in Dubai & Shipping Line Agent
Our own bills of lading, our own containers and space with every major line — plus local agency services for carriers in the UAE.
MEPL International is one of the NVOCC companies in Dubai — a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier that issues its own house bill of lading, ships in its own SOC containers and books space with all major shipping lines. You get carrier-level control without the carrier's rigidity.
We are also a shipping line agent in the UAE, representing carriers, NVOCCs and container operators — from bookings and delivery orders to equipment control. Our core lanes run from China, India, the Middle East and Africa to Russia and the CIS through the UAE and our own office in Kazakhstan, with cross-trade worldwide.
What we do
NVOCC shipping services in Dubai
As one of the NVOCC shipping lines in Dubai, we combine carrier documentation with forwarder flexibility.
NVOCC ocean freight
FCL and project shipments under our own house bill of lading, on space from all major shipping lines.
SOC container shipping
Our own shipper-owned containers — no carrier detention, ideal for one-way and inland routes.
House bills of lading
Own HBLs and FIATA FBLs, accepted by banks under letters of credit.
Shipping line agency
Local representation in the UAE for carriers, NVOCCs and container operators.
Equipment control
Container supply, tracking, depot management and repositioning.
One-way container leasing
Use a box for one leg and drop it at destination.
Explained
NVOCC vs freight forwarder
The difference is responsibility: an NVOCC is the carrier on its own bill of lading, a freight forwarder is the shipper's agent. MEPL does both.
| NVOCC | Freight forwarder | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Carrier — issues its own bill of lading | Agent — arranges transport for the shipper |
| Bill of lading | Own house bill of lading (HBL) | Carrier's or NVOCC's bill |
| Liability | Carrier liability for the cargo | Liability for its own services |
| Containers | Often owns SOC equipment | Usually uses carrier equipment |
| Rates | Contracts space with shipping lines | Buys from carriers or NVOCCs |
SOC containers
What is a SOC container — and why use one?
A SOC (Shipper Owned Container) belongs to the shipper or NVOCC, not the shipping line. With our own SOC fleet there's no carrier detention and no need to return the box — ideal for Russia, the CIS and other inland or one-way routes.
| SOC | COC | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Shipper / NVOCC | Shipping line |
| Detention charges | None from the carrier | After free days |
| Return to depot | Not required | Must be returned to the line |
| One-way moves | Ideal — box can stay or be sold | Costly or restricted |
| Inland & CIS routes | Flexible | Limited by line policy |
Documents
House bill of lading vs master bill of lading
Master bill of lading (MBL)
Issued by the shipping line to the NVOCC. Shows the NVOCC and its destination agent as shipper and consignee.
House bill of lading (HBL)
Issued by MEPL to you. Shows the real shipper and consignee — and is what the consignee presents to collect the cargo.
FIATA Multimodal Bill of Lading (FBL)
For door-to-door moves across sea, road, rail and air — also issued by MEPL. See multimodal freight.
For carriers
Shipping line agent in Dubai and the UAE
Looking for shipping agents in Dubai? We represent shipping lines, NVOCCs and container operators with a full local service.
Bookings & documentation
Booking confirmations, bills of lading, manifests and corrections.
Delivery orders & release
DO issuance, cargo release and collection of local charges.
Equipment management
Container pick-up, returns, depots and empty repositioning.
Port & customs coordination
Liaison with Jebel Ali and UAE ports, customs and terminals.
Customer service
One local contact for shippers and consignees.
Sales & market support
Local sales and cargo sourcing for your services.
Our lanes
NVOCC services to Russia, the CIS and beyond
- China, India, the Middle East and Africa → Russia and all CIS countries
- Routed through the UAE and our own office in Kazakhstan
- Cross-trade between third countries — e.g. Europe to Australia
- Onward road, rail and air legs on one FIATA FBL
Why MEPL
Why ship with MEPL as your NVOCC
Own documents
House bills of lading and FBLs issued by us.
Own containers
SOC fleet for one-way and inland moves.
All major lines
Space and rates with every major carrier.
Since 2014
WCA, FIATA, NAFL, NSRN, CSTA and All World Shipping member.
Need containers? See container trading for sale, rental and one-way leasing.
FAQ
NVOCC & shipping agency — frequently asked questions
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Get a quote
Book with an NVOCC in Dubai
Tell us the origin, destination, container type and whether you need SOC — or contact us about agency representation in the UAE.
Need your own bill of lading — or a local agent?
Talk to our NVOCC and agency team in Dubai.