Baldwin built the biggest by virtue of its rapport with the U.S. Steel roads. The largest of these properties is the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range. The Missabe is, to be sure, no granger; indeed DM&IR is only technically a common carrier.

Equally to be expected, in view of the trend of Government legislation and pronouncements over the past few years—but no less epoch-making for that—is the proposal that the railways and canals shall cease to be common carriers and be entirely free to fix their own passenger and freight charges, ….

The railways were 'common carriers' - they had to move any load they were offered, even if it was uneconomic to do so. Road hauliers could pick and choose their loads.

Common carrier

Meaning

Noun