common carriernoun [ C ]
ukusalso public carrier TRANSPORT, COMMERCE a company that provides regular services to the general public transporting people or goods:
The amendment says the penalties do not apply to common carriers such as commercial bus services or airplanes.
COMMUNICATIONS a company that provides regular communications services to the general public, including telephone, radio, etc.:
The telephone operator says it plans to move into international and local call services within the next few years by seeking tie-ups with other common carriers.