Multimodal (Combined) Transport Document

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A multimodal transport document is a bill of lading covering two or more modes of transport, such as shipping by rail and sea.

A complete multimodal transport document should contain the following elements:
  1. Name of the carrier or multimodal transport operator with a signature identified as that of carrier, transport operator or ship's master or agent for or on behalf of either the carrier, transport operator or ship's master,
  2. An indication that the shipment has been dispatched, taken in charge or loaded on board along with a date,
  3. Indication of the place of receipt of the shipment that may be different from the place of actual loading on board and the place of delivery of the shipment which may be different from the place of discharge,
  4. A sole original or if issued in multiple originals, the full set of originals,
  5. The terms and conditions of carriage or a reference to the terms and conditions of carriage in another source or document other than the multimodal transport document,
  6. In a documentary letter of credit, no indication that the document is subject to a charter party and/or an indication that the named vessel is propelled only by sail,
  7. Meets any other stipulations of the sales contract or documentary letter of credit.
Cautions and Notes for Documentary Letters of Credit

In multimodal situations the contract of carriage and liability is for a combined transport from the place of shipment to the place of delivery. Thus, the document evidences receipt of goods and not shipment on board.

The date of issuance of the document is deemed to be the date of dispatch unless there is a specific date of dispatch, taking in charge or loading on board, in which case the latter date is deemed to be the date of dispatch.

Even if a documentary letter of credit prohibits transshipment, bank will accept a multimodal transport document that indicates that transshipments will or may take place, provided that the entire carriage is covered by one transport document.

A combined transport document issued by a freight forwarder is acceptable unless the documentary letter of credit stipulates otherwise or unless the credit specifically calls for a marine bill of lading. The issuing freight forwarder accepts carrier responsibility for performance of the entire contract of carriage and liability for loss or damage wherever or however it occurs.

As a rule, multimodal transport documents are not negotiable instruments.

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