United States Statutory Regulation of Multimodalism

Though the result of multimodalism is transportation efficiency, regulatory and legal confusion are its by-products. For example, who, if anyone, decides what constitutes a fair charge for this intermodal transportation? To whom does the shipper turn if the cargo is damaged? What are the limits on the carriers' liabilities? When must parties file claims and suits? These and related questions are the subject of this Article. First, we shall discuss the statutes and regulations currently governing multimodal transportation in the United States. Next, we shall address the confusion that results from these overlapping regimes. Finally, we shall suggest ways of dealing with the problems resulting from this confusion.