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UPS Supply Chain Solutions®

Multimodal Transport

What is Multimodal Transport?

The process of moving cargo from place to place using more than one method of transport - truck, rail, plane, ship, or any combination of those. It is similar to intermodal transport, but with multimodal transport, the shipper works with one carrier (called the "Multimodal Transport Operator" or MTO), who arranges the entire journey by all modes. The single carrier contracts with other carriers to move the freight by various modes end-to-end.


Multimodal Transport is more expensive than Intermodal Transport, but it eliminates the hassle of dealing with multiple carriers.


Related Terms

Intermodal Transport  


Related FAQs


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