What is CMR?
CMR is short for the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road, signed in Geneva in 1956. It sets uniform rules for road freight when the place of loading and the place of delivery are in different countries, at least one of which has signed the convention. All EU countries, the UK, Switzerland, Norway and many others are parties.
In daily use, “CMR” usually means the CMR consignment note: the standard transport document that accompanies the goods on the truck.
Core principle: On an international road shipment, the CMR note is the contract, the receipt and the evidence if anything goes wrong.
The CMR consignment note
The note is normally made out in three originals, signed by the sender and the carrier:
- Copy 1 stays with the sender.
- Copy 2 travels with the goods and is given to the consignee.
- Copy 3 is kept by the carrier.
It shows the sender, carrier and consignee, places and dates of loading and delivery, description, number of packages and gross weight, any dangerous goods details, and instructions for customs and other formalities. On delivery, the consignee signs it and notes any visible damage or shortage, which also makes it a form of proof of delivery.
Carrier liability under CMR
Liability limit
The carrier’s liability for loss or damage is limited to 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram of gross weight missing or damaged, unless a higher value was declared.
Watch out for: For light, valuable goods such as electronics, this limit can be far below the real value, so consider cargo insurance.
Visible damage
Visible damage or shortage should be noted on the CMR at delivery.
Watch out for: Signing a clean CMR makes later claims much harder.
Hidden damage
Damage that isn’t visible at delivery must be reported in writing within 7 days, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
Delay and time limits
Claims for delay must be made within 21 days of delivery. Legal action generally has to start within one year, or three years in cases of wilful misconduct.
e-CMR
An additional protocol from 2008 allows electronic consignment notes (e-CMR), which most European countries have adopted. e-CMR speeds up invoicing and proof of delivery and reduces lost paperwork.
Example: A truck delivers 26 pallets from Italy to a fulfilment centre in Poland. Two pallets have crushed corners. The receiving team photographs them and notes “2 pallets damaged, corners crushed” on the CMR before signing, so the brand can claim from the carrier.
Frequently asked questions
What does CMR stand for?
It comes from the French title of the convention, Convention relative au contrat de transport international de Marchandises par Route.
Is a CMR needed for domestic transport?
No. CMR applies to international road transport between countries. Domestic transport follows national law and documents.
What is the carrier’s liability under CMR?
Limited to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight lost or damaged, unless a higher value or special interest in delivery was declared.
What is an e-CMR?
An electronic CMR consignment note, allowed under a 2008 protocol to the convention.
