Carrier
In trucking, a carrier is the licensed motor carrier (company or owner-operator) that physically transports freight using its own equipment under its own DOT/MC authority.
In Depth
Carriers bear the legal responsibility for freight safety and FMCSA compliance. They must carry appropriate insurance: minimum $750,000 liability for general freight, $1,000,000 for hazmat, $5,000,000 for household goods.
A carrier is distinct from a broker (who arranges transportation) and a dispatcher (who finds loads for carriers).
Usage Example
Example: 'As a carrier with my own MC authority, I can legally accept loads directly from shippers and brokers.'
Related Terms
Broker
A freight broker is a licensed intermediary that connects shippers who need to move freight with carriers who have available capacity. Brokers earn a commission (the spread between what shippers pay and what carriers receive).
Shipper
A shipper is a company or individual that has goods to be transported and contracts with a carrier or freight broker to move their freight. Shippers are the source of all freight in the supply chain.
MC Number
An MC (Motor Carrier) number is an operating authority number issued by FMCSA that allows a carrier to transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. Required in addition to a DOT number for for-hire carriers.
DOT Number
A USDOT number is a unique identifier issued by the FMCSA to commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. It is used to track a carrier's safety information, inspections, crashes, and audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a motor carrier?
A motor carrier is a business entity licensed by FMCSA to transport freight by truck. They hold a USDOT number and, if for hire, an MC number.