ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly presents the evolution of multimodal transport law, followed by a discussion on multimodal transport contracts and relevant transport documents. In multimodal transport, the popularly used documents are multimodal bills of lading, freight forwarders' bills of lading and combined transport bills of lading. The very concept of multimodal transport depends on the successful integration of various transport modes to provide a smooth delivery of goods from door to door. The chapter then discusses the role of the multimodal transport operator (MTO) including relevant definitions and terminology widely used in legal and technical contexts. The chapter examines some of the characteristic legal problems relevant to multimodal transport and discusses network and uniform liability systems commonly used in various international conventions and non-binding instruments. The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) started work on the subject in the 1930s, which resulted in the draft Convention on the International Combined Transport of Goods in 1963.
