---
title: "What does MTO (multimodal transport operator) | SSL"
description: "A person who contracts to carry goods by at least two modes of transport under one multimodal transport document and takes responsibility for the whole"
url: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-mto-multimodal-transport-operator-mean-in-logistics/
canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-mto-multimodal-transport-operator-mean-in-logistics/
updated: 2026-09-29
lang: en-IN
publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited
---

[Logistics terms](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/glossary/) · Logistics terms

# What does MTO (multimodal transport operator) mean in logistics?

Short answer

A person who contracts to carry goods by at least two modes of transport under one multimodal transport document and takes responsibility for the whole journey.

MTOs in India must register with the Directorate General of Shipping under the Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993. NVOCCs issuing their own bills of lading in India typically hold this registration. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. [How we count](https://safeandsecure.in/facts/)

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## The numbers behind this answer

**Also called**: MTO, multimodal transport

**Category**: EXIM & customs

**Related terms**: NVOCC, Freight forwarder, Bill of lading (B/L), ICD (inland container depot)

## Sources

1. [SSL logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#mto)

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

## Related questions

- [What does Freight forwarder mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-freight-forwarder-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does NVOCC mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-nvocc-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Bill of lading (B/L) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-bill-of-lading-b-l-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does House vs master bill of lading mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-house-vs-master-bill-of-lading-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Air waybill (AWB) mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-air-waybill-awb-mean-in-logistics/)
- [What does Customs broker mean in logistics?](https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-customs-broker-mean-in-logistics/)

## On this site

- [Logistics glossary](https://safeandsecure.in/glossary/#mto)

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---

Source: https://safeandsecure.in/answers/what-does-mto-multimodal-transport-operator-mean-in-logistics/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-09-29). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/