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What is a Common Carrier?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

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.

Commercial airlines are common carriers.
Commercial airlines are common carriers.

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.

Cruise lines and other industries that transport people are considered common carriers.
Cruise lines and other industries that transport people are considered common 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.

Common carriers include industries that transport goods, such as international container ships.
Common carriers include industries that transport goods, such as international container ships.

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.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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Discussion Comments

andee

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.

golf07

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.

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    • Commercial airlines are common carriers.
      By: Carlos Santa Maria
      Commercial airlines are common carriers.
    • Cruise lines and other industries that transport people are considered common carriers.
      By: Ruth P. Peterkin
      Cruise lines and other industries that transport people are considered common carriers.
    • Common carriers include industries that transport goods, such as international container ships.
      By: il-fede
      Common carriers include industries that transport goods, such as international container ships.
    • In some countries, amusement parks are considered common carriers because they transport people on roller coasters and other forms of transit.
      By: Bastos
      In some countries, amusement parks are considered common carriers because they transport people on roller coasters and other forms of transit.
    • Interstate bus lines that transport passengers to their destination are common carriers.
      By: majeczka
      Interstate bus lines that transport passengers to their destination are common carriers.