Carrier
A Carrier is the entity that physically transports the cargo and bears contractual responsibility for the shipment.
Carriers include truck fleets, airlines, rail operators, and ocean shipping lines. Rates reflect weight, volume, lane imbalance, fuel cost, and extra services (tail‑lift, waiting).
Key distinctions exist between asset‑based carriers—offering guaranteed capacity—and non‑asset brokers—providing flexibility via a network.
Digital solutions (e‑booking, IoT tracking) boost transparency and efficiency, while environmental regulations (Fit for 55, IMO 2020) steer investment toward cleaner tech.