noun
1. : one that undertakes for hire the carrying of goods, persons, or messages treating its whole clientele without individual preference or discrimination and being responsible for all losses and injuries except those in consequence of an act of God, of the enemies of the country, or of the owner of the property himself
2. : a public utility or public service company
3. in federal regulatory use : a carrier offering its services to all comers for interstate transportation by railroad, motor vehicle, ship, aircraft, or pipeline — compare contract carrier