Definition

1. Noun:
   • A business entity that transports people, goods, or messages for the general public: A "common carrier" is a company or individual in the business of providing transportation or communication services to the public under license or authority, typically offering its services to all customers without discrimination for a fee.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The railway company operates as a common carrier, obligated to transport any passenger's freight.
  • Telephone companies were historically regulated as common carriers.
  • Any common carrier must publish its rates and cannot refuse service without a lawful reason.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Obligation: In law, a common carrier has a higher duty of care and is generally liable for any loss or damage to goods during transport, barring specific exceptions like acts of God.
  • As a common carrier, the shipping line is responsible for the cargo's safety from port to port.
• Regulated Industry: Common carriers are often subject to government regulation to ensure fair access and reasonable rates.
  • The new legislation aims to increase competition among internet service providers treated as common carriers.

Variants and Related Words

• Carrier (n): A broader term for any person or company that transports goods or people. A "common carrier" is a specific, legally defined type of carrier.
• Contract Carrier (n): A transporter that serves specific clients under private contracts, unlike a common carrier that serves the general public.
• Freight Forwarder (n): A company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations, often utilizing common carriers for the actual transport.

Synonyms

• Public carrier
• Transport company
• Utility (in specific contexts like telecommunications)

Related Phrases

• Duty of a common carrier: Refers to the legal responsibilities, including the obligation to serve all customers fairly and ensure safe transport.
  • The case centered on whether the company breached its duty as a common carrier.
• Common carrier status: The official designation of a business as a common carrier.
  • The debate is about whether social media platforms should have common carrier status.

Noun

1. a person or firm in the business of transporting people or goods or messages