What Is a CMR Document? How to Fill It In and Who Issues It
The CMR document (CMR consignment note) is the evidence of the contract of carriage in international road freight and shows that the cargo has been taken over by the carrier.
What Is a CMR Document? How to Fill It In and Who Issues It
The CMR document (CMR consignment note) is the evidence of the contract of carriage in international road freight and shows that the cargo has been taken over by the carrier. It is based on the 1956 CMR Convention.
What is the CMR document used for?
The document contains the details of the consignor, consignee and carrier, the type and weight of the cargo, and the place of loading and delivery. In the event of damage or delay, it is the basis for determining the content of the contract of carriage and the carrier's liability.
How many copies are made?
The CMR document is drawn up in three original copies: one stays with the consignor, one travels with the cargo and is handed to the consignee, and one stays with the carrier. The document is signed by the consignor and the carrier.
Sections of the document
The standard form has 24 boxes: consignor (1), consignee (2), place of delivery (3), place and date of loading (4), attached documents (5), description and weight of goods (6–12), consignor's instructions (13), carriage charges (14), carrier (16), carrier's reservations (18), place and date of issue (21) and signatures (22–24).
The carrier's liability
The CMR Convention limits the carrier's liability for loss of or damage to cargo to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight. For high-value cargo, cover above this limit can be obtained through a declaration of value or additional insurance.
Tips for filling it in correctly
- The consignor and consignee details must match the commercial invoice.
- The goods description, number of packages and gross weight must match the packing list.
- If there is damage or shortage on delivery, a reservation must be written on the CMR.
- Attached documents (invoice, packing list, T1, etc.) must be listed in box 5.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CMR document mandatory?
In international road transport it is drawn up for practically every shipment as the standard document proving the contract of carriage and the taking-over of the goods.
Are CMR and a bill of lading the same?
CMR is a road transport document and is not a negotiable instrument; the sea bill of lading (B/L) is for sea transport and can represent title to the goods.
What happens if the CMR document is lost?
Because the copies are held by the consignor, the carrier and the consignee, copies can be requested; however, to avoid problems in customs and insurance procedures, it is important to keep the originals.