Common carrier

individual or company which transports persons or goods for hire

A common carrier is an organization that transports persons or goods, and offers its services to the general public. In contrast, private carriers do not offer a service to the public, and provide transport on an irregular or ad-hoc basis. Common carriers typically transport persons or goods according to defined routes and schedules. Airlines, railroads, bus lines, cruise ships and freight companies may be common carriers.
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Noun
1. a person or firm in the business of transporting people or goods or messages
(synonym) carrier
(hypernym) business, concern, business concern, business organization, business organisation
(hyponym) line

In a telecommunications context, a telecommunications company that holds itself out to the public for hire to provide communications transmission services. Note: In the United States, such companies are usually subject to regulation by Federal and state regulatory commissions. Synonyms carrier, commercial carrier, communications common carrier.

<communications, company> (Or "phone company") A private company that offers telecommunications services to the public.
(1995-03-20)