What type of carrier is a For-Hire Carrier?

A For-Hire Carrier is defined as a transportation service that offers its services to the general public for a fee. This means that the primary characteristic of a For-Hire Carrier is its openness to serving any customer who is willing to pay for the transportation of goods or passengers. They operate under regulatory guidelines and are required to obtain necessary permits and licenses to ensure they comply with industry standards.

In contrast, the other options highlight situations that do not align with the operations of a For-Hire Carrier. Providing free transportation services does not involve compensation, which is fundamental to the definition of a For-Hire Carrier. A carrier that serves only government contracts implies a restriction to specific clients rather than offering services to the general public. Lastly, a private carrier operates exclusively for a specific company and does not serve the public, distinguishing it from the For-Hire Carrier model.