Checklist

Review shipment documents

A complete document file creates clarity before the goods leave the warehouse.

Check the order, consignment note, goods details and customs papers before dispatch. This checklist helps shippers, carriers and forwarders identify discrepancies early.

Before dispatch, the details in the order, transport contract, consignment note and accompanying documents should fit together. This checklist takes you through the documents that commonly belong to one road transport file. It is intended for shippers, carriers, freight forwarders and consignees preparing a specific shipment.

The focus is on the check before the carrier takes over the goods. If the parties, goods description, quantities, addresses, costs and special instructions agree, questions and later evidentiary problems are easier to avoid. For international carriage, also check the customs and other official documents required for the specific route.

Use the list for each shipment. If a point does not apply, you can record that briefly. Where there is a discrepancy, note who will clarify it and which version of the document will apply afterwards.

Work through the sections in the order of the dispatch process. You can tick each point; your progress is saved on your device.

Why the documents matter

For international carriage by road falling within the CMR Convention, Article 6 CMR lists the essential information for the consignment note. This includes the parties, places of taking over and delivery, the description of the goods and packaging, package numbers, weight or quantity, costs and instructions for customs and other official treatment. Article 5 CMR addresses the original copies and signatures.

Under Article 7 CMR, the shipper is responsible for certain incorrect or incomplete information. Under Article 8 CMR, the carrier checks the package details and the external condition of the goods as far as possible and records justified reservations. Article 9 CMR gives the consignment note an important evidentiary function for the contract, takeover and external condition of the goods.

Article 11 CMR concerns the documents and information needed for customs and other official treatment. Further documents depend on the goods, route, parties and contract. For purely domestic carriage, Austrian provisions on carriage contracts and the agreement between the parties may also be relevant.

This checklist provides general orientation when preparing a carriage of goods. The documents required and the consequences of a discrepancy depend on the goods, route, contract and roles involved. If questions remain, you can have the document file assessed with us.