Common Carrier vs. Private Carrier
Much of the distinction between a “common or public carrier” and a “private or special carrier” lies in the character of the business, such that if the undertaking is an isolated transaction, not a part of the business or occupation, and the carrier does not hold itself out to carry the goods for the general public or to a limited clientele, although involving the carriage of goods for a fee, the person or corporation providing such service could very well be just a private carrier. (Philippine American General Insurance Company vs. PKS Shipping Company, G.R. No. 149038, April 9, 2003)