This page is designed to clearly explain the difference between Intermodal Transport and Multimodal Transport for shippers, project cargo owners, and engineering companies. It helps avoid misunderstandings related to liability, cost, and risk allocation.
1. Intermodal Transport (Most Common in Practice)
Definition
Intermodal transport means a shipment is moved using two or more different transport modes (truck, rail, ocean, inland waterway, etc.), where each transport leg is covered by a separate contract and handled by a different carrier.
Key Characteristics
Multiple transport modes
Separate contracts for each leg
Separate carriers
Liability is segmented by transport leg
Charges are calculated per segment
Typical Intermodal Structure
Factory → Truck → Port of Loading
Port of Loading → Ocean Vessel → Port of Discharge
Port of Discharge → Truck / Rail → Final Destination
Liability Principle
If damage or loss occurs, responsibility is determined only for the specific transport leg where the incident happened.
Common Use Cases
Project cargo
Breakbulk / BBK shipments
OOG and heavy-lift cargo
Routes requiring flexibility in carrier selection
2. Multimodal Transport (Single-Contract Transport)
Definition
Multimodal transport means a shipment is moved using two or more transport modes under one single transport contract, with one carrier (or MTO – Multimodal Transport Operator) assuming responsibility for the entire journey.
Key Characteristics
One single contract for the whole journey
One responsible carrier (MTO)
Unified liability from origin to final destination
Often higher insurance and legal requirements
Liability Principle
The MTO is responsible for the cargo throughout the entire transport chain, regardless of where the damage occurs.
Typical Documentation
FIATA Multimodal Transport B/L (FBL)
Through Bill of Lading with multimodal clauses
3. Core Differences at a Glance
| Item | Intermodal | Multimodal |
| Number of contracts | Multiple | One |
| Responsible party | Segment-based | Single MTO |
| Liability | Segmented | End-to-end |
| Risk structure | Distributed | Concentrated |
| Operational flexibility | High | Limited |
| Legal & insurance complexity | Moderate | High |
4. Why Most Project Cargo Uses Intermodal
For oversized, heavy-lift, and non-standard cargo, intermodal transport is usually the preferred structure because:
Each transport leg can be optimized independently
Specialized carriers can be selected per segment
Better cost control for complex routes
Easier handling of port, road, and lifting constraints
In real-world logistics operations, the majority of so-called “multimodal” shipments are actually intermodal by legal definition.
5. Important Client Notice
Although intermodal transport involves multiple legs, professional freight forwarders coordinate the entire process as one integrated solution, ensuring seamless handover between each stage.
However, from a legal and insurance perspective, liability remains segment-based unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.
6. Recommended Wording for Contracts & Quotations
This shipment will be handled under an intermodal transport structure, with separate carriers responsible for each transport leg. Liability shall be determined according to the terms and conditions applicable to each individual segment.
7. Practical Industry Note
Although clear distinctions exist between intermodal and multimodal transport, in real-world logistics practice, shippers and consignees frequently use the term “intermodal” as a general expression to describe all combined transport solutions, regardless of their actual legal structure.
As a result, misunderstandings may arise if responsibilities are not clearly defined. Therefore, once the transport solution is confirmed with the customer, it is essential that all operational details, liability allocation, and responsibility boundaries are clearly specified and agreed upon in the final contract, based on the actual transport arrangement rather than the terminology used.
Post time: Dec-18-2025