Carrier is anyone that transports people or property for hire by any means of conveyance (land, water, air or pipeline). There are two types of carriers: common carriers and private carriers.
Common carriers offer transportation as a regular business, are obligated to carry anyone who offers to pay the hire, and are liable for losses and injuries arising from the carriage, usually regulated by statute. Private carriers may choose whether to contract for carriage in each specific instance.
[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]