What is a characteristic of common carriers?

A characteristic of common carriers is that they publish rates and are obligated to transport goods offered to them, barring specific legal restrictions. This means that once they have publicly advertised their rates and terms of service, they must accept cargo offered to them as long as it complies with reasonable requirements and regulations. Common carriers play a vital role in the logistics and transportation industry because they provide a critical service by enabling businesses and individuals to move goods without discrimination among customers.

By contrast, the other options represent characteristics that do not apply to common carriers. Some carriers may refuse to transport certain types of cargo based on specific conditions or safety concerns, but this is not a defining trait of common carriers. Additionally, common carriers operate more broadly than just specific regions; they are typically licensed to operate over a wider area. Lastly, their services are not limited to private entities; rather, they serve the general public, which differentiates them from contract carriers or private carriers that may serve only select customers or clients.