What type of carrier is a company that transports cargo for a fee classified as?

A company that transports cargo for a fee is classified as a carrier for hire. This designation specifically refers to businesses that offer transportation services to the public in exchange for payment. These carriers are obligated to adhere to regulatory standards and provide their services consistently across various clients, differentiating them from other types of carriers that may only transport goods for their own use or on a non-commercial basis.

In this context, a motor carrier might specifically indicate any transportation company that uses vehicles for cargo transport, and while a trucker can be considered part of this category, it doesn't encompass all forms of carriers beyond trucks. A private carrier, on the other hand, typically refers to companies that transport their own goods, not for public hire. Thus, the classification as a carrier for hire accurately captures the nature of a company that operates primarily to transport goods for others in exchange for fees.