Multimodal Transport Contract, Documentations and Services

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Multimodal transport contract means a contract whereby an MTO undertakes, against payment of freight, to perform or to procure the performance of international MTO.

Multimodal transport document (MTD) means a document which evidences an MT contract, taking in charge of the goods by the MTO and an undertaking by him to deliver the goods in accordance with the terms of the contract.

MTO Criteria:

a) Recognized Operator
b) Contractual
c) Freedom of Action
d) Independent Status
e) National Licence
f) International Recognition
g) Resources

Scope of Services

Some MTOs may own one or more means of transport, handling equipment, containers, etc particularly when there are ship operators, truck operators of railway or airlines. They may also own container depots and warehouses.

But some may not own any of these and may therefore engage transport undertakings under contract to them. Some MTOs may also charter ships.

The range of services which MTOs provide directly or through their sub-contractors vary from MTO to MTO and to some extent from one country to another country, depending upon system of administration pertaining to port areas, inland terminals, inland modes of transport, etc prevailing in each of the countries.

Individual MTOs may have to undertake different types of operations depending upon the requirements of the trade route which they serve.

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