NBE Funeral Directing Practice Exam

What defines a Common Carrier?

1. A service that provides transportation but can refuse service

2. A transport service required by law to convey passengers or freight

3. A taxi service operating in a specific area

4. A private vehicle transporting goods

The correct answer is: A transport service required by law to convey passengers or freight

A Common Carrier is defined as a transport service that is required by law to convey passengers or freight. This means that Common Carriers have a legal obligation to provide service to the public without discrimination, as long as they have the capacity to undertake the transportation and it is within the scope of their business. This requirement distinguishes them from other types of transportation services, which may have more discretion to deny service based on various factors. In contrast, services like taxis or private vehicles do not fall under the definition of Common Carriers because they may refuse service or operate based on specific contractual agreements rather than a public obligation. A service that can refuse to transport certain individuals or freight does not meet the criteria of a Common Carrier. Hence, recognizing that Common Carriers play a crucial role in ensuring fair access to transportation is important for understanding their legal and operational frameworks.