What is one of the responsibilities of common carriers regarding cargo?

Common carriers have a specific legal obligation to transport goods for anyone who pays for their services, and they are held to a high standard of care in this role. One key responsibility of common carriers is to accept all types of cargo presented for transportation, which includes ensuring the safe delivery of that cargo.

While common carriers are generally liable for the loss or damage of cargo during transit, there are certain exclusions in their liability. In the context of negligence, common carriers are not responsible for damages that arise due to the shipper's actions, such as improper packaging or incorrect labeling of goods. This means that if the loss or damage is due to something the shipper could have controlled, the carrier may not be held liable. This principle affirms the concept that the shipper bears some responsibility for the proper handling of their goods before they are handed over to the carrier.

Understanding the extent of a common carrier's liability helps in determining who is responsible in cases where cargo is damaged or lost, particularly when errors are made on the part of the shipper.