6.4　Multi-Modal Transport多式联运

Facilitated by a wide adoption of containers in international shipping,multi-modal transport can move goods from origin to destination by a combination of several modes of transport(by sea,rail and road,for example)under a single contract without handling of the freight when modes shift.It is often carried out by a Multi-Modal Transport Operator(MTO)who,as the carrier,normally concludes a multi-modal transportation contract with the shipper and is liable for the entire transportation process.It is often associated with full-containerload(FCL)transport as containers travel from origin to destination without being opened in transit,although it can also apply to less-than-container-load(LCL)cargoes.

If you transport this way,you can expect to save cost and speed up payment collection as your goods,benefiting from limited handling in transit,move faster and are less likely to be stolen or damaged,which helps to enhance your competitiveness in the international market and enables you to sell to farther markets.The transportation process is also simplified as you need only to deal with the MTO in all matters relatingto transport,including settlement of claims for loss,damage or delay in the delivery.However,its limitations are obvious,too.First,as the MTO is fully liable for you in the whole journey,selecting an experienced MTO is vital to a smooth journey.Second,a limited number of both multimodal routes and experienced MTOs tends to hike up the freight rate,offsetting some reduction in cost brought about by faster transit and less damages to or loss of your goods.