CMR Convention Rules and Standards
The legal basis for international freight transport – safety and transparency with Couriers for Less
What is the CMR Convention?
The CMR Convention (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road) regulates the transport of goods by road on international routes. It precisely defines the rights, duties, and liability limits of the sender, carrier, and recipient throughout the entire transportation process.
1. CMR Consignment Note and Liability Limits
CMR Consignment Note (Document)
The CMR consignment note is the primary evidence that the carrier has taken over the cargo. It contains exact data on the sender, recipient, cargo weight, number of packages, and special conditions.
Standard Carrier Liability
Under the CMR Convention, the carrier's liability for lost or damaged cargo is limited to **8.33 SDR** (Special Drawing Rights) for every missing or damaged gross weight kilogram:
Approx. ~ 9.5 EUR per 1 kg of gross weight
Please note regarding additional insurance:
Since the standard CMR compensation is calculated based on **cargo weight** rather than its actual value, for lightweight yet valuable shipments (e.g., electronics, equipment) we strongly recommend ordering **additional cargo insurance**.
2. Main Duties of the Parties under CMR
To ensure smooth international transport, it is important to follow the designated processes:
Sender's Duties
The sender is responsible for providing correct information in the CMR consignment note, properly and securely packaging the goods, and supplying necessary customs or other accompanying documents.
Carrier's Inspection
Upon accepting the cargo, the carrier must check the number of packages, their markings, and the external condition of the packaging. If damage is noticed, it **must be recorded** in the CMR consignment note.
Recipient's Duties Upon Delivery
Upon receiving the shipment, the recipient must check its condition. If defects or damage are noticed, remarks **are immediately entered into the CMR consignment note** in the presence of the driver.
3. Claim Submission Deadlines
In case of cargo damage or delay, strict claim submission deadlines set by the CMR Convention apply:
Visible external damage must be noted at the time of delivery of the goods (immediately in the CMR consignment note).
The carrier must be notified in writing of undetected damage no later than within **7 calendar days** from delivery (excluding Sundays and holidays).