A common carrier is a company that provides public transportation of some sort. Specifically, it is any transportation company that has entered into a contract (or that offers itself up as available to enter into a contract) to transport any people, property, or goods across state lines or to transport them around within state lines as a publicly available service. Common carriers may provide a variety of services, and can include carriers that travel by land, air, or water, as in the case of many large shipping firms and cruise travel ships. The rules and regulations that govern common carriers are numerous, and common carriers are overseen by a number of different state and federal agencies. The regulations that apply to a common carrier vary based on the type of transportation it offers and/or the types of items it transports.
Understanding Common Carriers
The number of different types of common carriers is too large, and the variety too numerous, to provide a complete list of all the different common carriers. Generally, however, commercial buses, ferries, trains, and airplanes are considered common carriers. There are also some exceptions to this definition, such as, certain airplanes, vessels, "scenic railroads," or private charter transportation.
When you travel with common carriers, you are afforded a number of different protections under the law. For example, common carriers are considered to be liable for any damage to property that is entrusted to them as a result of their work, and they typically carry insurance policies that will help in the event of loss or damage to the goods. Common carriers may also be precluded from discriminating against who they transport.
Getting Help - Legal Issues with Common Carriers and Public Transportation
If you have been involved in any type of accident on a common carrier, it is imperative that you consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. The common carrier may be liable under the law for your damages, and a lawyer can help you to assess whether you have a claim.