A contract of carriage is a contract that binds both passengers and a carrier. These contracts are often used when either people or items are being transported from one place to another.
In a legal context, all parties involved in the contract are legally responsible for upholding their contractual obligations.
In transportation contracts, a carrier usually agrees to transport a person or goods from one point to another, and the passenger or shipping party agrees to pay a certain fee for this service.
Contracts of carriage cover liabilities for each party. This is particularly relevant if a person is injured during the voyage, or if goods are lost or are damaged en route. Lawsuits frequently occur over such issues. Contracts of carriage can be highly relevant in such suits.