Ocean Transportation Intermediary Bond

Arizona Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Bond

FMC OTI bond for ocean freight forwarders and NVOCCs

Ocean transportation intermediaries licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission must maintain required surety.

Overview

What Is a Arizona Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) Bond?

An OTI bond is the FMC surety required for ocean freight forwarders and non-vessel-operating common carriers.

Key Provisions
  • Guarantees compliance with 46 U.S.C. ocean transportation intermediary bonding - FMC rules
  • Protects the obligee named on the Arizona bond form
  • Remains subject to the penal sum and bond conditions
Surety Obligation Overview

What Does This Bond Guarantee?

The surety bond guarantees that the principal will perform the duties required under 46 U.S.C. ocean transportation intermediary bonding - FMC rules up to the penal sum.

Principal
The party required to obtain the bond and perform the underlying obligation.
Obligee
United States - Federal Maritime Commission
Surety
The company issuing the bond and guaranteeing the obligation to the obligee.

When a claim may arise

A claim may arise if the principal fails to comply with the bonded Arizona obligation or causes covered loss to the obligee or protected parties.

If a claim is valid

If a claim is valid, the surety may pay up to the bond penalty according to the bond terms; the principal remains liable to reimburse the surety.

Scope of the Obligation
  • Comply with 46 U.S.C. ocean transportation intermediary bonding - FMC rules
  • Satisfy United States - Federal Maritime Commission filing conditions
  • Maintain the bond for the required term
Bond terms

Bond summary

Amount, premium, term, and the authority that requires this filing.

Eligibility

Who Needs This Bond?

Arizona companies acting as FMC-licensed OTIs need the matching federal bond.

Who Is Required to File
  • Applicants required by Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
  • Arizona businesses renewing or expanding licensed activity
  • Out-of-state firms filing into Arizona markets
Requirements

What You Need to Apply

File the FMC-required OTI bond amount for your license type before operating.

Required Documentation
  1. Legal entity name matching the license or filing
  2. Bond amount: $50,000 minimum federal baseline commonly required for ocean freight forwarders (confirm FMC license type)
  3. Arizona obligee form or statute citation
  4. Owner or officer identification for underwriting
Filing

How this filing works

  1. 01

    Confirm the Arizona requirement

    Share your license type, court order, or obligee form and the exact penal sum required by Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

  2. 02

    Underwrite and price

    We review credit and filing details, then quote premium options through licensed surety markets.

  3. 03

    Issue and file

    Once approved, we issue the bond for delivery to United States - Federal Maritime Commission or for your Arizona filing package.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required amount for an Arizona ocean transportation intermediary bond?

The amount is $50,000 minimum federal baseline commonly required for ocean freight forwarders (confirm FMC license type), as set under 46 U.S.C. ocean transportation intermediary bonding - FMC rules and confirmed with Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

Who is the obligee on an Arizona ocean transportation intermediary bond?

The obligee is typically United States - Federal Maritime Commission. Always match the exact name on the Arizona form.

How long does it take to get the bond?

Many Arizona filings can be underwritten the same day when documents and credit are complete; complex amounts may take longer.

Does bad credit prevent approval?

Not always. Premium and collateral options vary by credit and bond size — ask for markets that still write the risk.

How do I renew the bond?

Most bonds renew on the term shown (1 Year). Keep continuity so your Arizona license or filing does not lapse.

Authority Resources

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

fmc.gov

Next step

Ready to file this bond?

We’ll match the requirement and route the application.

Apply for this bond

Or call (877) 477-7578