CARRIER

carrier. 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. [Blacks Law 8th]