Conflict of Laws in Multimodal Transport of Goods

With the advent of science, new transport modes have been developed. One of the most common of these modes is international multimodal transport which is used especially in the transport of goods. The important issue regarding this mode is the applicable law governing multimodal transport. The non-existence of an international uniform law and the non-existence of internal laws in many legal systems concerning multimodal transport have resulted in a fundamental challenge in international transport law. This essay suggests an application of the network system and the use of existing unimodal conventions’ regulations as a solution. Although in some cases, there are some overlaps and conflicts among these conventions’ rules, the application of conflict of laws’ rules in some unimodal conventions and regulations in Article 30 of 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties can be useful. In addition, using the standard contracts within the framework of applicable law in multimodal transport may prevent some conflict of laws.