The transport of goods or passengers between two places within the same country, or along a coast; also the right to do this.
From French 'cabotage', from Spanish 'cabo' (cape) suggesting coastal trading routes. The term refers to shipping that stays in coastal waters rather than crossing oceans.
Cabotage laws are protectionist—the U.S. Jones Act requires all ships traveling between American ports to be American-built and crewed, which critics say makes shipping expensive but supporters say protects jobs.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.