Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

CARTMEN. Persons who carry goods and merchandise in carts, either for great
or short distances, for hire.
     2. Cartmen who undertake to carry goods for hire as a common
employment, are common carriers. Story on Bailm. Sec. 496; and see 2 Wend.
327 2 N. & M. 88; 1 Murph. 41 7; 2 Bailey, 421 2 Verm. 92; 1 M'Cord, 444;
Bac. Ab. Carriers, A.