# Arrangement of Multimodal Shipments

*Last updated: 2026-06-16*

> A multimodal shipment is the carriage of goods across at least two modes of transport under a single contract – typically a Multimodal Transport Document (MTD) or a through bill of lading – covering the entire journey from shipper to consignee.

A multimodal shipment is the carriage of goods across at least two modes of transport under a single contract – typically a Multimodal Transport Document (MTD) or a through bill of lading – covering the entire journey from shipper to consignee. This distinguishes multimodal transport from segmented transport, where each leg operates under its own contract and separate liability regime. A Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) acts as the sole contracting party, assuming overall liability and managing pre-carriage, main carriage, and on-carriage. The distinction from 'intermodal' is often blurred in practice: formally, 'multimodal' emphasises the unified contract, while 'intermodal' foregrounds the physical use of multiple modes. In customs and documentation practice, the correct characterisation of the transport contract matters because it determines the applicable liability framework and required paperwork.

**Source:** [https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/multimodal-transport_en](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/multimodal-transport_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Arrangement of Multimodal Shipments |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 128 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-16 |
| Source | https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/multimodal-transport_en |

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