Multimodal Transport

Multimodal Transport refers to a transport organization method whereby, under a multimodal transport contract, a multimodal transport operator transports goods from the place of taking in charge to the designated place of delivery using at least two different modes of transport. Use cases: suitable for cross-border long-distance transport, such as sea + rail, sea + road, air + road combinations, commonly seen in China-Europe Railway Express, sea-rail intermodal transport, sea-air intermodal transport, etc. Precautions: it is necessary to clarify that the multimodal transport operator is responsible for the entire journey and issues a multimodal transport bill of lading; attention should be paid to the fact that the period of responsibility, limits of compensation, and applicable law may differ for different modes of transport (such as the United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods or domestic law). Difference from 'intermodal transport': multimodal transport emphasizes at least two modes of transport and a single operator responsible for the entire journey; difference from 'segmented transport': in segmented transport, different carriers are separately responsible for their respective segments, and the cargo owner must book and claim separately. Difference from 'single mode of transport': a single mode uses only one means of transport (such as pure sea freight). Foreign trade practitioners should ensure that the terms of the multimodal transport bill of lading are clear, specifying the place of cargo handover, division of responsibility, and insurance coverage.