CMR

CMR is the abbreviation for the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road. Under Article 1 CMR, it generally applies to paid contracts for carriage by road between two different countries where at least one country is a contracting country. The residence or nationality of the parties is not decisive for this scope of application.

Under Article 4 CMR, the contract of carriage is confirmed by a consignment note. The absence, irregularity or loss of that note does not, by itself, invalidate the contract of carriage. The Convention also sets rules for performing the carriage and for the carrier’s liability, including loss, damage and delay in delivery.

The first practical questions are therefore the route, the contracting parties, the type of loss and the available transport documents. The page on CMR and the transport contract explains the contractual framework. The overview of cross-border carriage of goods covers the international element. For an initial liability assessment, use the CMR liability check.