The CMR document (consignment note): contents and how it is filled in

The CMR document is the consignment note that proves a contract of international road carriage. The CMR Convention applies to carriage where the place of taking over the goods and the place of delivery are in two different countries and at least one of them is a contracting country of the Convention. Request a quote

What the CMR document is and when it is issued

The consignment note is the evidence of the contract of carriage (art. 4). The CMR Convention applies to every contract for the carriage of goods by road in a vehicle for reward, when the place of taking over the goods and the intended place of delivery are in two different countries, of which at least one is a contracting country (art. 1).

If the consignment note is missing, irregular or lost, the existence and validity of the contract of carriage are not affected, and the Convention still applies to it (art. 4).

What the CMR contains

The consignment note must contain the following particulars (art. 6, para. 1):

• the date of the note and the place where it is made out
• the name and address of the sender
• the name and address of the carrier
• the place and date of taking over the goods and the place designated for delivery
• the name and address of the consignee
• the description in common use of the nature of the goods and the method of packing, and for dangerous goods their generally recognised description
• the number of packages and their special marks and numbers
• the gross weight of the goods or their quantity otherwise expressed
• the charges relating to the carriage (carriage charges, supplementary charges, customs duties and other charges from the conclusion of the contract until delivery)
• the instructions required for customs and other formalities
• a statement that the carriage is subject to the provisions of the Convention, notwithstanding any clause to the contrary

Where applicable, the consignment note also contains (art. 6, para. 2):

• a statement that transhipment is not allowed
• the charges the sender undertakes to pay
• the amount of cash on delivery to be collected on delivery of the goods
• a declaration of the value of the goods and the amount representing a special interest in delivery
• the sender's instructions to the carrier regarding insurance of the goods
• the agreed time limit within which the carriage is to be carried out
• a list of the documents handed to the carrier

The parties may enter in the consignment note any other particulars they consider useful (art. 6, para. 3).

Who signs it and how many originals exist

The consignment note is made out in three original copies signed by the sender and the carrier. The first copy is handed to the sender, the second accompanies the goods and the third is retained by the carrier (art. 5, para. 1). If the law of the country where the note is made out allows it, the signatures may be printed or replaced by stamps.

When the goods to be carried have to be loaded in several vehicles, or are of different kinds or divided into different lots, the sender or the carrier has the right to require a separate note for each vehicle used, or for each kind or lot of the goods (art. 5, para. 2).

Who is responsible for what

The sender is responsible for all expenses and damage suffered by the carrier because of the inaccuracy or inadequacy of the particulars about the sender, the places of taking over and delivery, the consignee, the goods and their packing, the number of packages, the weight and the customs instructions, of the additional particulars under art. 6, para. 2, and of any other particulars or instructions given for the making out of the note (art. 7, para. 1).

On taking over the goods the carrier checks the accuracy of the statements in the note about the number of packages and their marks and numbers, and the apparent condition of the goods and their packaging. If he has no reasonable means of checking, or has reservations about the goods, he enters them in the consignment note together with the grounds for them (art. 8).

The consignment note is prima facie evidence of the making of the contract, its conditions and the taking over of the goods by the carrier. If it contains no specific reservations by the carrier, it is presumed that the goods and their packaging appeared to be in good condition when he took them over and that the number of packages, their marks and numbers corresponded with the statements in the note (art. 9).

Where to find the text of the Convention

The full text is in the Czech Collection of Laws: Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR), notice no. 11/1975 Coll. (in Czech). We do not offer a blank consignment note form to download here.

Carrier liability and insurance

What the carrier is liable for, up to what limit and how CMR insurance differs from cargo insurance is explained in CMR insurance: carrier liability and cargo insurance.

Frequently asked questions

How many CMR originals are there?

Three. The first copy is handed to the sender, the second accompanies the goods and the third is retained by the carrier (art. 5).

Does the CMR have to be signed?

The consignment note is made out in three original copies signed by the sender and the carrier. If the law of the country where it is made out allows it, the signatures may be printed or replaced by stamps (art. 5).

What if the CMR is missing or lost?

The existence and validity of the contract of carriage are not affected, and the Convention still applies to it (art. 4).

Source: Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR), notice no. 11/1975 Coll.