here the cargo owner agrees with a freight forwarder based on a freight forwarding contract to transport goods using different modes. The freight forwarder as the principal may subcontract the carriage between modes to third parties but bears ultimate responsibility for any action or inaction of the subcarriers. In the event of damage or loss, the cargo owner has the right of claim directly against the freight forwarder. The latter also may voluntarily cede his rights to the cargo owner to sue the subcarriers directly. He could sue directly one particular carrier if it can be determined at what stage the damage occurred, or sue all the carriers if the reverse is the case.