Multimodal Transport
The movement of cargo under a single contract using two or more transport modes — typically sea + rail or sea + road.
In detail
Multimodal transport is the norm rather than the exception for China-to-Russia freight. Common multimodal routes: Sea + Railway (fastest for Moscow delivery): Shanghai → Vladivostok by sea (7–10 days) → Moscow via Trans-Siberian Railway (7–10 days) = 18–25 days total. Sea + Road: Shanghai → St Petersburg by sea (35–45 days) → Moscow by truck (1 day) = 36–46 days door-to-door. Rail + Road (overland): China → Almaty by Chinese rail → Kazakhstan truck to Russian border → Moscow = 14–20 days. A Multimodal Transport Document (MTD) or FIATA FBL covers the entire journey under a single contract. Insurance: a single all-risk cargo insurance policy should cover all transport legs; confirm with your insurer that coverage extends to the specific modes and transit countries used. The multimodal transport operator (MTO) bears end-to-end liability for cargo under their care.
Examples
- →40HC container: Guangzhou factory → Yingkou port (1 day truck) → Vladivostok (ferry 4 days) → Moscow (rail 9 days) = 14 days
Related terms
FCL (Full Container Load)
A shipment occupying an entire ocean container — 20DC, 40DC, or 40HC — booked and sealed by one shipper.
Freight Forwarder
A company that arranges international cargo transportation on behalf of shippers — booking carriers, managing documentation, and coordinating the logistics chain.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The primary ocean freight document serving as a receipt of shipment, contract of carriage, and document of title.
Cargo Insurance (Marine Insurance)
Insurance coverage for physical loss or damage to goods during international transportation.