Carrier

What is a carrier?

A freight carrier is the company or individual that transports the cargo from one location to another.

A carrier may be a VOCC (Vessel Operating Common Carrier) or an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier). “Ocean carrier” generally refers to VOCCs, who own and operate ocean vessels. An NVOCC, like Flexport, arranges the transportation of cargo with an ocean carrier.

What types of carriers move freight?

Carriers operate by mode. Ocean carriers run vessels, airlines move air cargo, truckers handle road freight, and railroads haul rail cargo. A single international shipment often uses several carriers, such as a trucker to the port, an ocean carrier across the water, and another trucker for final delivery.

How does a carrier differ from a freight forwarder?

A carrier owns or operates the transport equipment and issues its own transport contract. A freight forwarder arranges the shipment for you, books space with carriers, and coordinates the paperwork. Your bill of lading identifies the carrier responsible for the cargo in transit.

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