Common Carrier

A common carrier is an organization that transports a product or service using its facilities, or those of other carriers, and offers its services to the general public.

Traditionally common carrier means a business that transports people or physical goods. In the 20th century, the term came to refer also to utilities (those transporting some service such as communications (TelCo/ISP) or public utilities). The term differs from private carrier, which operates solely for the benefit of one entity and does not offer services to the general public.

A property common carrier is an organization (often a commercial or private business but sometimes a government agency) that provides transportation of persons or goods, often over a definite route according to a regular schedule, making its services available to all who choose to employ them. Airlines, railroads, bus lines, cruise ships and trucking companies are examples of property common carriers.

semi-related to Net Neutrality?