Multimodal transport

A multimodal transport operator, often a forwarder or NVOCC, contracts with the customer for the full route and subcontracts each leg. A typical case is a container trucked from an inland factory to a port, shipped by sea, railed to an inland terminal and delivered by truck. One document, such as a combined transport or multimodal bill of lading, covers it from place of receipt to place of delivery.

Multimodal and intermodal are often used interchangeably, but the emphasis differs. Multimodal stresses the single contract and the single responsible party. Intermodal stresses that the cargo stays in the same container or trailer as it changes mode, even if each leg is booked separately. In North America, “intermodal” usually means containers or trailers moved by rail with truck legs at each end.

Liability follows the contract, and when loss can be traced to one leg, the rules of that mode often apply. For multimodal shipments, the Incoterms rules for any mode, such as FCA, CPT or CIP, fit better than FOB, CFR or CIF, which are meant for goods delivered on board a vessel. Track every handover, because delays build up where one mode passes cargo to the next.