Carrier
A company or individual that physically transports freight using their own trucks and drivers. Carriers range from owner-operators with a single truck to large fleets with thousands of vehicles. To operate legally in interstate commerce, carriers must have an active DOT number, MC number (for-hire), adequate insurance, and compliant drivers and equipment. Carriers are the actual movers of freight in the supply chain.
Detailed Explanation
A company or individual that physically transports freight using their own trucks and drivers. Carriers range from owner-operators with a single truck to large fleets with thousands of vehicles. To operate legally in interstate commerce, carriers must have an active DOT number, MC number (for-hire), adequate insurance, and compliant drivers and equipment. Carriers are the actual movers of freight in the supply chain.
Example
A mid-size carrier with 75 trucks and 100 dry van trailers specializes in the Southeast market, running dedicated lanes between Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, and Jacksonville for their contract customers.
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