Multi-modal transportation can be defined as carriage of goods by at least two different modes of transport. Multi-modal transportation is essential for efficient movement of containerised cargo and is considered as an integral part of ‘Just in Time’ (JIT) logistics management in international trade. This may also involve transportation of cargo firm shipper’s warehouse to consignee’s warehouse under the overall responsibility of an operator.

Under the Multi-Modal (MT) Convention, the multi-modal transport operator (MTO) is made responsible independent of the rules which apply to the actual carrier. In other words, as per MT Convention, the MTO has to assume the responsibility of the whole transport covered by the contract. A multi-modal transport operators issues combined transport documents because he assumes the responsibility for the performance of the combined transport contract.

The basic objective of multi-modal transportation is to move cargo from its origin to destination in the minimum possible time and with minimum cost using a combination of various modes of transport and resorting to transshipment of transfer links. Thus, it is not only a mechanical exercise of transferring goods from one mode of transport to another or from one carriage to another, but also implies coordination of various functions, complete willingness