# Multimodal Transport Operator

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) takes on the carriage of goods across at least two modes of transport – road, sea, rail or air – under a single contract and assumes end-to-end liability from origin to final destination.

A Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) takes on the carriage of goods across at least two modes of transport – road, sea, rail or air – under a single contract and assumes end-to-end liability from origin to final destination. Unlike a freight agent acting on a principal's behalf, the MTO contracts in its own name and is the primary party accountable to the shipper for loss, damage or delay on any leg. The key document is the multimodal transport document (MTD), or multimodal bill of lading, which covers the entire transport chain. Because different liability regimes apply to different modes, MTO contracts require careful attention to which rules govern each segment. Large logistics providers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) typically fulfil this role on intercontinental trade lanes.

**Source:** [https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/multimodal-transport](https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/multimodal-transport)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Multimodal Transport Operator |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 127 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/multimodal-transport |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/multimodal-transport-operator](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/multimodal-transport-operator)*

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