Carrier: A carrier is the trucking company or owner operator that physically hauls freight under its own operating authority.
Why it matters to owner operators
As a carrier you are responsible for the load, insurance and compliance, and you are the party that gets paid for the haul. Brokers vet carriers, so keep your authority and paperwork current.
Example
An owner operator with an MC number and insurance books a load from a broker and delivers it on schedule.
Related terms
Brokerage & Loads: Not sure a broker or load is worth your time? We check brokers before we book freight for you, and you always choose which loads to haul. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
Haul smarter with a dispatch team behind you
Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.