Multimodal transport

Definition and principle

Multimodal transport (or combined transport) refers to the carriage of goods using at least two different modes of transport (sea, air, road, rail, inland waterway) under a single transport contract, under the responsibility of a multimodal transport operator (MTO). It is the dominant mode in modern international trade, particularly with the development of containerisation.

Legal framework

There is no universally ratified international convention on multimodal transport. The United Nations Convention on International Multimodal Transport of Goods (Geneva, 1980) never entered into force. In practice, operators use:

• UNCTAD/ICC Rules for Multimodal Transport Documents (1992)
• FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (FBL)
• Clauses from applicable unimodal conventions for the relevant segment (Hamburg Rules/maritime, Montreal Convention/air, CMR/road, COTIF-CIM/rail)

Incoterms and multimodal transport

Incoterms 2020 distinguish:

• "Any mode of transport" terms: EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP — suitable for multimodal transport
• "Sea and inland waterway only" terms: FAS, FOB, CFR, CIF — reserved for traditional maritime transport

Common mistake: using FOB or CIF for containerised multimodal transport. These terms are designed for pure maritime (goods loaded on board the vessel). For containers, prefer FCA (instead of FOB) and CIP (instead of CIF).

Practical implications

• The multimodal transport document covers the entire journey, simplifying documentation
• The MTO's liability covers in principle the entire route, but indemnification limits may vary depending on the segment where damage occurred ("network liability system")
• Customs value must distinguish transport costs to the point of introduction into the EU from intra-EU transport costs