Glossary term
Merchant
A party trading goods on its own account; in carrier terms, a broad definition covering everyone with an interest in the cargo.
In general use, someone who buys and sells goods. In a carrier’s bill of lading conditions the word is defined far more widely, typically capturing shipper, consignee, holder of the bill, receiver and owner of the goods - so that obligations such as paying charges bind all of them.
That definition is worth reading before assuming a party is not on the hook for demurrage.