What is the CMR consignment note?
The CMR consignment note (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road) is the document that formalises the international road transport contract. Governed by the Geneva Convention of 1956, it is mandatory for all international carriage of goods by road.
Mandatory for all international carriage of goods by road
Mandatory entries on the CMR
The 4 copies of the CMR
Red
Sender
Blue
Recipient
Green
Carrier
Black
Administrative use
Responsibilities and compensation
The carrier is presumed liable for loss, damage, or delay in delivery occurring between collection and delivery. Compensation is capped at 8.33 SDR per kg of gross weight of the missing or damaged goods.
- Total or partial loss: compensation per kg (8.33 SDR/kg)
- Damage: compensation for the depreciation of the goods
- Delay: compensation limited to the transport price
- Reservations: must be filed within 7 days for non-apparent damage
Frequently asked questions
No, the CMR only applies to international transport. For domestic transport in France, the national consignment note applies, governed by the French Transport Code.
In principle, the sender prepares the CMR. In practice, it is often completed by the carrier at the time of collection, using information provided by the sender.
Yes, the e-CMR protocol (2008) authorises the electronic CMR. It has the same legal value as the paper CMR, provided a certified system accepted by all parties is used.
Reservations for apparent damage must be noted on the CMR at the time of delivery. For non-apparent damage, the deadline is 7 days from delivery.
Affretium lets you digitise your consignment notes, track their status in real time, and automatically archive all your transport documents securely.
