Carrier

A carrier undertakes the carriage of goods as a contractual transport service. Section 425 UGB covers carriage by land and on rivers or other inland waterways. For international carriage of goods by road, the CMR Convention may also apply if its requirements are met.

A carrier must be distinguished from a freight forwarder. Under section 407 UGB, the freight forwarder arranges consignments through carriers or sea carriers for the account of the consignor, acting in its own name. Whether a business is acting as carrier, freight forwarder or in a combined role depends on the specific contract and the task actually undertaken. The topics on carrier liability and cargo damage and the CMR and the transport contract provide the relevant starting points when damage or another transport problem occurs.