Common Carrier in United States

Practical Information

Note: Some of this information was last updated in 1982

One whose business it is to transport goods or passengers. Common carriers of goods are responsible for all loss or damage of merchandise during transportation from any cause except the act of God or the public enemy. They may, however, qualify this liability by contract (in U.S. law). The responsibility of the carrier terminates after the goods have arrived at their destination and a reasonable time has elapsed for the owner to receive them. After that, the carrier may put them in a warehouse and is only responsible for ordinary care. Carriers, both by land and water, when they undertake the general business of carrying every kind of goods, are bound to carry for all who offer; if they refuse, without just excuse, they are liable to an action at law. Common carriers of passengers, unlike common carriers of goods, are not responsible as insurers of their cargo. Passenger carriers, however, do have the duty to exercise a high degree of care and watchfulness to their passengers. There is no responsibility when injury results directly from the passenger’s NEGLIGENCE.

(Revised by Ann De Vries)

What is Common Carrier?

For a meaning of it, read Common Carrier in the Legal Dictionary here. Browse and search more U.S. and international free legal definitions and legal terms related to Common Carrier.

Common Carrier meaning

A common carrier is a transporter who offers their services to the general public over a definite route and according to a regular schedule.

Common carriers are ordinarily liable for all property losses which occur to the objects they are entrusted with unless they can prove that the loss was the result of an act of  God or the owner of the property. Common carriers are liable to use utmost care in the transportation of passengers but if non-negligent will not be required to act as insurors of their passengers.
Tilson v. Ford Motor Co., D.C.Mich., 130 F.Supp. 676, 678.

Basic Meaning of Common Carrier

Common Carrier means: any carrier required by law to convey passengers or freight without refusal if the approved fare or charge is paid ( e.g., airline, train, etc.).