Multimodal transport

Multimodal transport (also referred to as combined transport) is the transportation of goods

under a single contract but performed with at least two different means of transport. I.e. the
carrier (in a legal sense) is liable for the entire carriage even though it is performed with several
different means of transport (e.g. rail, sea and road). The carrier, however, does not have to be in
the possession of all of the means of transport and in practice usually is not. The carriage is often
performed by using sub-carriers, in legal language often referred to as actual carriers. The carrier
that is responsible for the entire carriage is referred to as a multimodal transport operator (MTO).
The U.N. Multimodal Convention (which has not entered into force and most likely never will)
defines in article 1.1. multimodal transport as follows: "'International multimodal transport'
means the carriage of goods by at least two different modes of transport on the basis of a
multimodal transport contract from a place in one country at which the goods are taken in charge
by the multimodal transport operator to a place designated for delivery situated in a different
country."
Overview
In practice freight forwarders have become important MTOs as they have moved away from
their traditional role as mere agents for the sender and accepting a much wider liability as
carriers. Also large sea-carriers have evolved into MTOs as they provide their customers with so-
called door-to-door services, i.e. the sea carrier offers transport from the sender's premises
(situated somewhere inland) all the way to the receiver's premises (also often situated somewhere
inlands) instead of just offering more traditional tackle-to-tackle services or pier-to-pier services.
MTOs that are not in the possession of a sea vessel (even though the transport includes a sea-
leg), are in common law countries, in the United States especially, referred to as Non Vessel
Operating Carriers (NVOC).
Historically multimodal transport developed in connection with the so called container
revolution during the 1960s and ‘70s and today containerized transports are by far the most
important multimodal consignments. One must however always bear in mind that multimodal
transport is not equivalent to container transport and multimodal transport is just as feasible
without any form of containers.
Legal impact of multimodal transport
From a legal point of view multimodal transport create several difficult problems. Currently
unimodal transports are governed by different, often mandatory, international conventions. These
conventions stipulate different basis for liability and different limitations of the liability for the
carrier. Currently the solution to this problem has been the so called network principle.
According to this the different conventions exists unchanged side by side and the carrier’s
liability is defined according to where the breach of contract has occurred (e.g. where the goods
have been damaged during the transport). However, problems tend to arise if the breach of
contract is unlocalized
EXAMPLE OF MULTIMODAL CENTER
Town of Normal municipal offices. The fourth floor includes public meeting space and the Town
Council chambers for the Town of Normal.
The centerpiece of the Uptown Plan is the Multimodal Transportation Center. As
designed the Transportation Center is 68,000 square foot four-story structure with
an attached parking structure. The first floor of the facility will accommodate
Amtrak and BNPTS ticketing and office space, waiting areas, a food court, retail, and
general community information. The second and third floors will accommodate
Town of Normal municipal offices. The fourth floor includes public meeting space
and the Town Council chambers for the Town of Normal.

The facility will bring together and streamline several modes of transportation including high-
speed passenger rail, intercity and local bus service, airport shuttles, taxi services, passenger
vehicles and pedestrians. The Transportation Center will not only improve transportation
efficiencies and amenities in Normal, but it will also greatly enhance the regional transportation
network. The facility will replace an aging and undersized Amtrak station and will also connect
that passenger rail service with other transportation modes, thus making rail a more attractive
and convenient alternative.
The state-of-art Transportation Center is designed to achieve a LEED silver certification. It will
sit directly adjacent to the Gateway Plaza, which will further enhance the experience for the
passengers using the facility. The adjoining parking structure sits above a covered bus bay. The
parking will alleviate a current shortage for Amtrak passengers, while the covered bus bay will
protect riders from the weather.
 WAITING AND TICKET BOOTH BACK OF THE STATION
FACING ALI
MALL

FRONT OF THE CONSESSION FRONT OF THE STATION AND

THE DROP-OFF AREA