Carrier
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
contracts. There are two kinds of carriers, namely common carriers, (q- Y-) who have been considered under another head; and private carriers. ‘These latter are persons who, although they do not undertake to transport the goods of such as choose to employ them, yet agree to carry the goods of some particular person for hire, from one place to another. In such case the carrier incurs no responsibility beyond that of any ordinary bailee for hire, that is to say, the responsibility of ordinary diligence.
2 Bos. & Pull. 417; 4 Taunt. 787; Selw. N. P. 382, n.; 1 Wend. R. 272; 6 Taunt. 577; Jones, Bailm. 121; Story on Bailm. § 495.
To bringa person within the description of a common carrier, he must exercise his business as a public employment; he must undertake to carry for persons generally; and he must hold himself out as ready to engage in the transportation of goods for hire, as a business; not asa casual occupation pro hac rice.
1 Sak. 249; 1 Bell’s Com. 467.