A porter, also called a bearer, is a person who carries objects or cargo for others. The range of services conducted by porters is extensive, from shuttling luggage aboard a train (a railroad porter) to bearing heavy burdens at altitude in inclement weather on multi-month mountaineering expeditions.

Depending on the industry and the region, a porter can be called many different things. In the hospitality and travel industry, a porter is often called a Bellhop (in hotels) or a Skycap (at airports). If they are handling baggage on a train, they might be referred to as a Redcap, a term specifically popularized in the US and UK. In more formal settings, a head porter who manages guest services might be called a Concierge. In the maritime and shipping industry, a porter might be referred to as a Stevedore or a Longshoreman if they are loading cargo. In the context of outdoor expeditions, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or the Himalayas, the term "Porter" is the standard, though they are also sometimes simply called Bearers. In a historical or domestic sense, a "gatehouse" porter might be called a Doorkeeper or a Janitor. Across all these roles, the common thread is the physical transport of goods or luggage and the provision of essential assistance to travelers and residents alike.