MTO全称multimodal transport operator。指本人或通过其代表与发货人订立多式联运合同的任何人，他是事主，而不是发货人的代理人或代表或参加多式联运的承运人的代理人或代表，并且负有履行合同的责任。

A multimodal transport operator is a person or an organization who engages in the transportation of goods using multiple modes of transportation under the multimodal transport contract. These entities can include shipping lines, freight forwarders, or NVOCC operators on whose behalf the bill of lading is eventually issued.

其中，这里的多式联运指的是由两种及其以上的交通工具相互衔接、转运而共同完成的运输过程统称为复合运输。

多式联运经营人可以分为两种：一种为有船承运人为多式联运经营人，另一种为无船承运人为多式联运经营人。

NVOC即属于后者non-vessel operating carrier无船经营承运人。在接受货物后，也是将运输委托给多式运输承运人进行，但他本人对货主仍应负责。无船经营人不拥有船舶，通常是内陆运输承运人，仓储业者或其它从事陆上货物运输中某一环节的人，也就是说无船经营人往往拥有除船舶以外一定的运输工具。

An ocean carrier who performs all of the services of a carrier, but who does not own their own vessel(s). They operate by leasing or buying available space in containers and using their own House Bill of Lading to contract with customers.

以下为相关双语示例，供参考：

The multimodal transport operator shall comply with the applicable law of the country in which he operates and with the provisions of this Convention.

多式联运经营人应遵守其营业所在国所适用的法律和本公约的规定。

Any signature or authentication of the carrier, multimodal transport operator or master must be identified as carrier, multimodal transport operator or master, as the case may be.

承运人或多式联运经营人或船长的任何签字或证实，必须分别表明“承运人”或“多式联运经营人”或“船长”的身份。