Freight Glossary
Carrier – Meaning & Examples
A company that physically transports cargo using ships, aircraft, trucks, or trains.
- Related terms
- shipping line, airline, trucking company, transport company
A carrier is any company that provides transportation services for goods. Ocean carriers (shipping lines) operate container vessels, air carriers (airlines) provide air freight services, motor carriers (trucking companies) handle road transport, and rail carriers operate freight trains. Carriers issue transport documents (bills of lading, air waybills) and are responsible for cargo during transit. They can be common carriers (serve the public) or contract carriers (serve specific customers).
Carrier examples
- Maersk is an ocean carrier operating container ships between major ports worldwide.
How Carrier is used in freight operations
Carrier appears in quotations, bookings, shipping documents, and tracking updates. Confirm how it applies to your shipment with your carrier, forwarder, or customs representative, because practice can differ by country and contract.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Carrier?
A company that physically transports cargo using ships, aircraft, trucks, or trains.
What is an example of Carrier?
Maersk is an ocean carrier operating container ships between major ports worldwide.