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Verfrachter Definition

Also: Frachtgeber, vertraglicher Carrier, Beförderer, Charterer, Vertragsfrachtführer

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In brief

In transport law, the carrier is the contracting party that undertakes to transport goods on behalf of the shipper. The term is used particularly in sea freight and must be clearly distinguished from freight forwarder and haulier under the law.

Key facts

What is a carrier?

The carrier is the contracting party that assumes responsibility for the transportation of goods within the framework of a freight contract. In German transport law – in particular the German Commercial Code (HGB) – the term refers to the party that undertakes to perform a transport service on behalf of the shipper (also known as the consignor). The term is closely associated with sea freight and charter law, but is also used in a broader sense for other modes of transport. In everyday usage, formulations such as "contractual carrier" are encountered,

Frequently asked questions

The freight forwarder organizes the transport on behalf of the shipper without being the principal obligor under the freight contract. The carrier, on the other hand, is contractually obligated to carry out the transport and is directly liable to the shipper – even if subcontractors are used.

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