Document background
The Intermodal Bill of Lading is essential for modern international trade operations involving multiple transport modes. It emerged from the need to have a single transport document that could cover the entire journey of goods from origin to destination, regardless of the transport modes used. Under Swiss jurisdiction, this document combines elements of traditional maritime bills of lading with specific provisions for land and air transport, incorporating relevant international conventions while adhering to Swiss commercial law principles. The document is particularly crucial for Switzerland's role as a major logistics hub, despite being landlocked, and facilitates the country's significant international trade operations. It provides legal certainty for all parties involved in the transport chain while serving as a negotiable document of title that can be used in trade finance operations.
