This article discusses human bearers of burdens. For other senses of "porter" see porter.

A porter carries objects. Human adaptability and flexibility early led to the use of humans for transporting gear. Uneven terrain (such as in mountains, alleyways and markets) and a lack of formed roads (such as in jungle) makes the use of porters (or bearers) economic where one can obtain relatively cheap labour..

Porters appeared extensively in the ancient world as "beasts of burden". Ancient Sumerians enslaved women to carry wool and flax. Porters still carry things in many third-world countries, especially where animals (camels, oxen, horses, dogs) or machines (carts, lorries, ships, trains, aircraft) have not taken over their traditional functions. The Sherpa people of Nepal have espablished a reputation as specialist porters.

The term "porter" sometimes refers to airport or hotel employees, but generally refers to relatively menial labor.

Porters who work at railway stations in India are called coolies.