A Negotiated Rate Arrangement, or NRA, is a written rate agreement between an NVOCC and a shipper that sets the agreed freight rate and related terms for a shipment. In ocean freight, an NRA allows the parties to document pricing without using a traditional service contract, as long as required regulatory conditions are met. NRAs help shippers secure agreed pricing while giving NVOCCs a simpler way to offer customised rates for specific lanes, cargo, or customers.
A Negotiated Rate Arrangement (NRA) is a written agreement between an NVOCC and a shipper specifying the freight rate and other service terms for a specific shipment or series of shipments. NRAs replaced the old tariff system for NVOCCs dealing with U.S. shippers.
- Must be agreed before the cargo is received by the NVOCC
- Can be a single shipment or standing agreement for a trade lane and commodity
- Rates in an NRA are not published in a public tariff
- Provides pricing flexibility compared to the traditional FMC tariff requirement
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on NVOCC, FCL, LCL, and Bill of Lading.
