What is a CMR?
CMR is short for the French name of the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (Convention relative au contrat de transport international de Marchandises par Route). Signed in Geneva in 1956, it sets the rules between the parties when goods are carried by road for reward between two countries. Turkey and almost every European country are among its many parties.
In everyday use “CMR” usually means the CMR consignment note: the document that evidences the carriage and its terms.
When does CMR apply?
When the place where the goods are taken over and the place of delivery are in two different countries, at least one of which is a party. A truckload from Turkey to Germany, the UK or Georgia is covered. Carriage within one country follows that country’s own law.
What is on a CMR note?
The note is usually made out in three originals: one stays with the sender, one travels with the goods to the consignee and one is kept by the carrier; in practice an extra copy is often printed. It shows mainly:
- The names and addresses of sender, carrier and consignee
- The place and date of taking over, and the place of delivery
- The nature of the goods, packaging, number of packages or pallets and gross weight
- Whether the goods are dangerous
- Instructions and documents for customs and other formalities
When taking over the goods the carrier checks the number of packages and their apparent condition; anything wrong, such as damaged packaging, is entered on the note as a reservation. A note without reservations is presumed evidence that the goods were taken over complete and in apparent good condition.
The carrier’s liability
Under CMR the carrier is liable for loss, damage and delay from taking over the goods until delivery. That liability is limited:
- Loss and damage: at most 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram of gross weight lost or damaged
- Delay: at most the carriage charges
For valuable goods, CMR liability may not cover their value. Separate cargo insurance is advisable; check the cover with your insurer.
If something goes wrong
- Apparent loss or damage: note it on the CMR and delivery papers at delivery.
- Damage that is not apparent (found when the packaging is opened): notify the carrier in writing within 7 days of delivery, Sundays and public holidays excluded.
- Delay: claim in writing within 21 days of the goods being placed at the consignee’s disposal.
- Time limit: actions under CMR are generally time-barred after 1 year (3 years for wilful misconduct).
Photograph the damage, record it and keep written contact with the carrier. For a large claim, take legal advice.
Electronic CMR (e-CMR)
An additional protocol allows an electronic consignment note (e-CMR) in the countries that have adopted it, in place of the paper note. Ask your carrier or customs broker whether it can be used on your route.
CMR on Tır Lazım
When a booking is made on Tır Lazım, the agreed terms are recorded for both parties, and documents such as the CMR and proof of delivery can be uploaded to the booking for both sides to see. If there is ever a dispute, the answer to “what was agreed” sits in one place. See our route pages for the documents each lane needs.
This article is general information, not legal or customs advice. For your own goods, ask your customs broker or a lawyer.
