Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A carrier used primarily for local shipments is best classified as a for-hire carrier. For-hire carriers provide transportation services to the general public and can perform local deliveries, making them suitable for short-distance transport needs. These carriers regularly navigate areas within a limited geographic scope and are typically compensated for their services.

While national carriers operate across larger geographical areas, including interstate shipments, and intercity carriers typically serve a broader market connecting cities, a for-hire carrier focuses on serving local needs. Private carriers, on the other hand, own their equipment and do not provide services to other businesses or the public, which means they are not classified in the same way regarding local shipments. Thus, for-hire carriers are specifically aligned with the characteristics and functions associated with local transportation services.