What type of carrier transports goods or persons for a fee, without discrimination?

The correct answer is that a common carrier is defined as a type of carrier that transports goods or persons for a fee, offering its services to the general public without discrimination. This means that common carriers are obligated to serve any customer who pays the required fee, without denying service based on arbitrary or discriminatory reasons.

Common carriers are bound by certain regulations and responsibilities, ensuring they provide reliable and consistent service, maintaining a duty of care to their passengers and cargo. This non-discriminatory aspect distinguishes common carriers from other types, which may have specific contractual obligations or limitations regarding who they can serve or under what conditions.

In contrast, private carriers transport goods or individuals exclusively for their own business and are not required to serve the public. Contract carriers operate under specific contracts that outline the terms and conditions of their service, allowing for more discretion in who they serve. For-hire carriers encompass a broader category that includes both common and contract carriers, but does not specifically emphasize the non-discriminatory service characteristic that defines common carriers.

Understanding the distinctions between these categories helps clarify the regulations and expectations surrounding transportation services in the context of funeral service and other industries.