Damages
Interactive CMR check

CMR liability check

Classify the key liability and deadline questions in an international road carriage.

BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte
Ansprechperson

Mag. Bernhard Brandauer, Rechtsanwalt

BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte

Orientation on damages matters in Austria.

The CMR may apply to international carriage of goods by road. For an initial classification, the route, the contractual roles, handover, reservations and the timeline matter alongside the damage itself.

Answer the questions based on what you currently know. The result provides a structured orientation for preparing a review. It does not replace interpretation of the specific carriage contract or examination of objections, limits of liability and applicable law.

Mag. Bernhard Brandauer, Rechtsanwalt

Interactive CMR check

CMR liability check

This check does not calculate a guaranteed claim or a binding amount. It shows which points are already traceable for an initial legal review and where documents or timing information are missing.

01 Question 1

What carriage route is involved?

For CMR classification, an international road carriage and the states involved are particularly relevant.

Ergebnis

Ihre Orientierung

01

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
02

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
03

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
04

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
05

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
06

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
07

Good basis for further review

Arrange the consignment note, carriage order, delivery receipt, photographs and loss schedule in chronological order. Note which fact each document proves.

Then review CMR applicability, cause, reservations, limits of liability and timely assertion separately.

  • Record the route and participating companies from the carriage order
  • Link the damage, timing and condition of the goods to original documents
  • Mark open liability and deadline questions for review
08

Several review areas remain open

Secure the complete document set and prepare a short timeline from handover to delivery. Add missing photographs, receipts, messages and details of the relevant roles.

Avoid a blanket liability assertion. Separate established facts, your own assessment and unresolved points.

  • Secure the consignment note and delivery record as originals or unaltered copies
  • File reservations, notices and denial letters with their dates
  • List the unclear cause and missing documents as separate review points
09

Several review areas remain open

Secure the complete document set and prepare a short timeline from handover to delivery. Add missing photographs, receipts, messages and details of the relevant roles.

Avoid a blanket liability assertion. Separate established facts, your own assessment and unresolved points.

  • Secure the consignment note and delivery record as originals or unaltered copies
  • File reservations, notices and denial letters with their dates
  • List the unclear cause and missing documents as separate review points
10

Several review areas remain open

Secure the complete document set and prepare a short timeline from handover to delivery. Add missing photographs, receipts, messages and details of the relevant roles.

Avoid a blanket liability assertion. Separate established facts, your own assessment and unresolved points.

  • Secure the consignment note and delivery record as originals or unaltered copies
  • File reservations, notices and denial letters with their dates
  • List the unclear cause and missing documents as separate review points
11

Several review areas remain open

Secure the complete document set and prepare a short timeline from handover to delivery. Add missing photographs, receipts, messages and details of the relevant roles.

Avoid a blanket liability assertion. Separate established facts, your own assessment and unresolved points.

  • Secure the consignment note and delivery record as originals or unaltered copies
  • File reservations, notices and denial letters with their dates
  • List the unclear cause and missing documents as separate review points
12

Prompt legal review is advisable

Immediately secure the condition of the goods, original documents and complete correspondence. Record delivery date, notices, denials and all known deadlines.

A focused review should clarify whether the CMR applies, which liability rules and objections are relevant and whether the claim was asserted in time.

  • Secure the current condition and available evidence with dates
  • Collect the denial, reservations and complete correspondence
  • Record delivery, notice and limitation dates separately
13

Prompt legal review is advisable

Immediately secure the condition of the goods, original documents and complete correspondence. Record delivery date, notices, denials and all known deadlines.

A focused review should clarify whether the CMR applies, which liability rules and objections are relevant and whether the claim was asserted in time.

  • Secure the current condition and available evidence with dates
  • Collect the denial, reservations and complete correspondence
  • Record delivery, notice and limitation dates separately
14

Prompt legal review is advisable

Immediately secure the condition of the goods, original documents and complete correspondence. Record delivery date, notices, denials and all known deadlines.

A focused review should clarify whether the CMR applies, which liability rules and objections are relevant and whether the claim was asserted in time.

  • Secure the current condition and available evidence with dates
  • Collect the denial, reservations and complete correspondence
  • Record delivery, notice and limitation dates separately

Next useful step

Documents to prepare

  • Carriage order, consignment note and delivery receipt
  • Delivery note, packing list, weight and condition records
  • Photographs, videos, inspection reports and loss documentation
  • Written reservations, damage notices and denial letters
  • Correspondence with sender, carrier, consignee and insurer
  • Timeline of handover, delivery, notice and known deadlines

Legal framework

  • Where it applies, the CMR addresses the carrier’s period of liability, exemptions, compensation, limits of liability, reservations at delivery and limitation periods. Articles 1, 17, 18, 23, 29, 30 and 32 are particularly relevant.
  • For domestic carriage and limitation questions, Austrian provisions including sections 414 and 439 of the UGB may be relevant. The applicable rule depends on the specific carriage and contract.
  • This check must not be used to calculate an amount. Even where the CMR applies, the value and weight of the goods, type of damage, contractual terms and circumstances must be examined separately.

Does the CMR apply automatically to every carriage?

No. The CMR generally concerns international carriage of goods by road between different states. Whether its requirements are met and which other rules apply must be checked against the specific order.

Does the check show whether the carrier is liable?

No. It classifies the key review areas. Liability, exclusions, contributory responsibility, evidence, limits and the amount of any claim require an individual assessment.

What matters when damage is visible?

The condition of the consignment and a specific reservation should be recorded in a traceable way at delivery. Keep photographs, the delivery receipt and subsequent correspondence as well.

Can I calculate an amount with the check?

No. The check avoids false precision. CMR rules may affect liability and compensation, but their application depends on the goods, weight, damage, contract and circumstances.

CMR and the transport contract

Classify the scope, roles and key documents of road carriage.

Carrier liability and cargo damage

Review damage, cause, reservations and evidence together.

Cargo damage documentation check

Structure the documents and evidence for an initial review.

General orientation, not binding legal advice. The check does not establish CMR applicability, liability or the amount of a claim.

Discuss your matter

Orientation on damages matters in Austria.

Kontakt

Discuss your matter

Adresse

BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte GmbH Giselakai 51 5020 Salzburg