# Carrier

Source: https://parabola.io/glossary/carrier

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## What is a carrier?

A carrier is a company or organization that provides transportation services for freight, packages, or goods. These transportation providers maintain networks and infrastructure to move shipments between locations using various modes of delivery.

### Carrier types

The transportation industry includes several carrier categories:

• National carriers• Regional carriers• Local carriers• Specialized carriers

### Carrier service offerings

#### Carrier transportation modes

Different carrier services accommodate various shipping needs:• Ground transportation• Air freight• Ocean shipping• Intermodal services

#### Carrier delivery options

Modern carriers provide multiple service levels:

• Express delivery• Standard service• Economy shipping• Custom solutions

### Carrier selection factors

Organizations must evaluate several criteria:

#### Carrier evaluation metrics

Key considerations include:• Service coverage• Delivery reliability• Cost structure• Technology integration

### Carrier management best practices

Successful carrier relationships require:

• Regular performance reviews• Clear communication channels• Service level agreements• Cost monitoring systems

Carrier selection and management play crucial roles in supply chain efficiency, enabling organizations to optimize their shipping operations while maintaining customer satisfaction through reliable delivery services.