Carrier

Definitions #

The company or entity that transports goods or people from one place to another, such as a shipping line, airline, or trucking company.

Technical The contractual party responsible for the vessel or vehicle and the execution of the contract of carriage, issuing the bill of lading and liable for loss or damage under applicable transport law.

Example The carrier issued a bill of lading and confirmed that the cargo was loaded on board.

Etymology #

From Middle English, from Old French 'carrier', meaning one who carries or transports.

Collocations #

ocean carrier 海运承运人，航运公司
common carrier 公共承运人，对所有托运人开放
carrier's liability 承运人责任，承运人对货物损失的赔偿义务

Real Business Examples #

The carrier issued a bill of lading and confirmed that the cargo was loaded on board.
The carrier shall not be liable for delays caused by force majeure under the charter party.

Register & Variants #

Register: formal
BrE/AmE: 全球通用

Synonyms & Antonyms #

Synonyms: transport operator, shipping line (in ocean context)
Antonyms: shipper, consignee

Common Errors #

Confusing carrier with freight forwarder A carrier actually operates the vessel or vehicle; a freight forwarder arranges transport but does not operate it.
Assuming the carrier is always the vessel owner The carrier may be a time charterer or a slot charterer under certain contracts.

Confusable Terms #

freight forwarder vs Carrier: A freight forwarder is an intermediary arranging logistics; a carrier physically transports the cargo.
consignee vs Carrier: The consignee is the receiver of the cargo; the carrier transports the cargo to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a carrier and a forwarder??

A carrier owns or operates the transport vehicle; a forwarder arranges the transportation, often using multiple carriers.

Who is the carrier on a bill of lading??

The carrier is typically the party whose name appears on the bill of lading and who has issued it.

Published: 2026-10-04 Category: