# Intermodal Bill of Lading

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> The intermodal bill of lading comes into play when cargo must travel under a single contractual framework across multiple modes – vessel, rail, and truck, for instance.

The intermodal bill of lading comes into play when cargo must travel under a single contractual framework across multiple modes – vessel, rail, and truck, for instance. Issued by the principal carrier or its agent, it confirms receipt of the goods, sets out the binding conditions of carriage for the entire transit, and remains valid regardless of how many modal transfers occur. Unlike a conventional ocean bill of lading, it is not tied to a specific vessel or voyage, giving shippers and forwarders considerably more routing flexibility. Depending on its form, it can serve as a negotiable document of title, making it relevant in trade finance transactions. It is most widely used in combined sea-rail shipments and in hinterland transport connecting major seaports.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Intermodal Bill of Lading |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 123 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_lading |

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