We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Economy

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Common Carrier?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 23,366
Share

In most areas of the world, a common carrier is a business enterprise that transports people or goods from one location to another. The term has also come to refer to businesses that offer various types of services to the general public, such as communications. This broader definition has opened the door for many businesses, such as some amusement parks, to be included.

One of the defining characteristics of this type of business is that it is regulated by some sort of agency, and functions with the use of credentials issued by that regulatory body. The process of regulation is to ensure that the carrier complies with accepted and legal safety provisions that are intended to protect the general public. At the same time, the company must comply with the agency’s requirement that the carrier makes its services available to the general populace, without any form of bias or discrimination.

It is important to note that, while most countries have some sort of government regulation of common carriers, the term is generally used in English-speaking countries, most notably the United States and Canada. Other countries, such as those in Europe, are more likely to refer to any business that provides transportation services by the simpler term "carrier." The scope of regulation that applies in different countries will vary, with some nations having very strict rules and procedures that must be followed in order to continue operating. In other countries, the regulations are very broad, leaving a great deal of room for interpretation by individual carriers.

When many people think of a common carrier, the first thought that comes to mind is different types of transportation services. In terms of the transport of people, this would include airlines, rail services, bus lines, and cruise ships. Transportation companies that provide shipping of goods, such as freight lines and international container shipping firms, would also be included.

Along with transportation, many countries have come to include services that transport people in some sort of alternative fashion to also be included in the scope of a common carrier. One example is an amusement park, where people are transported around the park via a roller coaster or some type of transit system. Some countries have gone as far as to include some forms of communications, such as point to point telephone calls, in the definition. The rationale is usually that the voices of the two individuals on the call are transported electronically from their physical locations. The inclusion of communication services within the definition is still somewhat rare, however, although some argue that virtual transport is just as valid a form of transportation as physical transport.

Share
SmartCapitalMind is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By andee — On Nov 25, 2012

I have an insurance policy that includes coverage for an accident or injury that takes place on a common carrier. I had never thought of a roller coaster at an amusement park being considered a common carrier, and doubt it would cover something like that.

Just for the sake of curiosity, I am going to have a look at my policy and see if an amusement park is included in their description of a common carrier.

By golf07 — On Nov 24, 2012

When I think of a common carrier I automatically think of the airline industry. This industry has strict guidelines and regulations they have to follow, and is open to the general public. Going through security to get on an airplane seems to be getting tougher all the time, but I realize that is for the safety of everyone.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-common-carrier.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.