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When may a carrier refuse to transport goods offered for shipment?

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Mosaic portrait of Emperor Justinian I with a jeweled crown and halo, from the 6th-century Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. — Carriage of goods Justinian I, detail of a 6th-century mosaic at the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.

Under the law governing the carriage of goods, a carrier's ability to refuse a shipment depends on its classification and the nature of the goods.

While common carriers are generally obligated to serve the public, they may still refuse to transport goods under specific circumstances. A carrier may decline a shipment if:

Scope of Service: The goods fall outside the categories of commodities the carrier purports to carry generally.1
Safety and Suitability: The goods are dangerous, improperly packed, or of a size that the carrier is unable to accommodate.1
Operational Constraints: The carrier lacks the necessary facilities to transport the items.1
Legal Prohibitions: The shipment is restricted by law.1

In contrast, private or contract carriers are not bound by the same public service obligations as common carriers and may select their customers at their discretion. Additionally, carriers may cease to be common carriers entirely by providing notice that they are no longer holding themselves out to serve the general public.2