One contract can cover a journey that uses several vehicles. Multimodal transport is the carriage of goods by at least two different modes under a single contract, with one party responsible for the entire movement.

The multimodal transport operator issues a single document and assumes liability from origin to destination, even though subcontracted carriers perform individual legs. This arrangement simplifies administration for the shipper compared with arranging each mode separately.

Legal frameworks and liability limits for multimodal moves differ from pure unimodal regimes. Careful drafting of contracts and choice of document type matter when claims arise. Multimodal solutions are common in international trade where sea, rail, and road must be combined.

• Carriage by two or more modes under one contract
• Single party responsible door to door
• Simplifies documentation for the shipper
• Subject to specific liability frameworks