1. An individual or organization (such as a shipowner, a railroad, or an airline) that contracts to transport passengers or goods for a fee. Cf. SHIPPER. [Cases: Carriers 3, 235. C.J.S. Aeronautics and Aerospace § 179; Carriers§§ 2, 385.]
common carrier. A commercial enterprise that holds itself out to the public as offering to transport freight or passengers for a fee. • A common carrier is generally required by law to transport freight or passengers or freight, without refusal, if the approved fare or charge is paid.
— Also termed public carrier. [Cases: Carriers 4.]
“[A] ‘common carrier’ is bound to take all goods of the kind which he usually carries, unless his conveyance is full, or the goods be specially dangerous; but may charge different rates to different customers.” Thomas E. Holland, The Elements of Jurisprudence 299 (13th ed. 1924).
marine carrier. A carrier operating on navigable waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
non-vessel-operating common carrier. Maritime law. A freight forwarder that does not own the means of trans-portation, but that contracts with a shipper to transport freight, and with a carrier to perform the transportation. • The non-vessel-operating common carrier becomes the carrier in the contract with the original shipper, and the shipper in the contract with the eventual carrier. See FREIGHT FORWARDER. — Abbr. NVOCC.
private carrier. Any carrier that is not a common carrier by law. • A private carrier is not bound to accept business from the general public.
— Also termed contract carrier. [Cases: Automobiles 76; Carriers
3. C.J.S. Aeronautics and Aerospace § 179; Carriers§§ 2, 385; Motor Vehicles §§ 5, 105–113.]
2. INSURER.
