What does inherent vice refer to in the context of common carrier liability?

Inherent vice refers to the natural characteristics of certain goods or items that make them susceptible to loss, damage, or deterioration during transport. For instance, certain fruits may spoil quickly due to their perishable nature, or delicate art pieces may be more prone to breakage due to fragility. These are qualities inherent to the items themselves rather than external conditions affecting them.

Understanding this concept is crucial for common carriers, as they are generally not liable for losses that occur due to inherent vice. This means that if goods are damaged or lost because of their own characteristics, the carrier cannot be held responsible. Recognizing the implications of inherent vice helps carriers in risk management and in setting appropriate liability terms in shipping contracts.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of inherent vice. External factors affecting delivery pertain to environmental or logistical challenges rather than the goods themselves. Failure to meet shipping standards often relates to the carrier's operational procedures, while the carrier's responsibility for damages involves liability issues but does not address the intrinsic properties of the items being transported.