Freight glossary / Roles and parties

What is Carrier in freight?

A carrier is the company that physically transports the freight using its own trucks and drivers. Carriers range from a single owner operator to fleets of thousands of power units, and the vast majority of US trucking companies operate a handful of trucks. A carrier hauling for hire across state lines needs active operating authority and current insurance filings.

Also called: motor carrier, trucking company.

Related terms

• Owner operator
• Freight broker
• Operating authority
• Power unit
• Asset based