The Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) is the fundamental document in international road freight transport. GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS, being a leading player in the logistics services market, provides a detailed explanation of all aspects of CMR rules application in practical activities.
History and Significance of the CMR Convention
The CMR Convention was adopted in Geneva in 1956 and has since become an integral part of international transport law. The document regulates relationships between consignors, carriers, and consignees in international road transport, ensuring uniform legal regulation in 58 participating countries.
GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS actively applies CMR principles in its operations, providing clients with maximum legal protection and transparency of all transport operations.
Basic Principles and Scope of Application
Territorial Applicability: CMR rules apply to transport between participating countries or transit through their territory. It's important to note that even if one country is not a CMR participant, but cargo transits through a participant's territory, convention rules apply.
Types of Transport Vehicles: CMR applies exclusively to road transport, including:
- Freight trucks
- Road trains
- Semi-trailers
- Container transport by road vehicles
Exceptions from Application: The convention does not apply to:
- Postal shipments
- Funeral articles
- Furniture for household moves
CMR Consignment Note: Structure and Requirements
The CMR consignment note is the key document confirming the conclusion of the transport contract and serving as proof of cargo acceptance for transport. GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS pays special attention to proper completion of this document.
Mandatory Details of the Consignment Note:
- Name and address of the consignor
- Name and address of the carrier
- Place and date of taking over the goods
- Place of delivery of the goods
- Name and address of the consignee
- Common description of the nature of the goods and method of packing
- Number of packages, their special marks and numbers
- Gross weight or otherwise expressed quantity of goods
- Charges relating to carriage
- Instructions required for customs and other formalities
- Statement that carriage is subject to CMR rules
Additional Information:
- Prohibition of transhipment
- Charges undertaken by the consignor
- Value of goods and amount of special interest in delivery
- Consignor's instructions to carrier regarding goods insurance
Carrier Liability Under CMR Rules
GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS strictly complies with all convention requirements regarding carrier liability, guaranteeing our clients reliable protection of their interests.
Types of Liability:
- For loss of goods — full value of goods, but not exceeding 8.33 SDR per kilogram gross weight of lost goods
- For damage to goods — amount by which goods value has decreased
- For delivery delay — not exceeding the amount of carriage charges
Cases of Liability Exemption:
- Fault of consignor or consignee
- Instructions of consignor or consignee not caused by carrier's fault
- Inherent defects of goods
- Circumstances which carrier could not avoid
Compensation Limits: Maximum liability is limited to 8.33 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per kilogram gross weight of lost or damaged goods. However, the consignor may declare special interest in delivery, thereby increasing liability limits.
Limitation Periods and Claims Procedure
Time Limits for Claims:
- For total loss of goods — within one year
- For partial loss, damage, or delay — within one year
- In case of willful misconduct or gross negligence — within three years
Claims Procedure: GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS recommends the following algorithm:
- Written notification of claim indicating the nature of requirements
- Attachment of all documents confirming damage
- Sending claim to carrier within established timeframes
- If claim is not satisfied — court proceedings
International Regulation Specifics
Currency Regulation: All damage compensation calculations are made in SDR (IMF Special Drawing Rights) with subsequent conversion to national currency at payment date.
Dispute Jurisdiction: CMR disputes may be heard by courts of:
- Defendant's place of residence
- Place of goods acceptance for carriage
- Place of goods destination
- At plaintiff's choice
Practical Recommendations from GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS
For Consignors:
- Carefully check correct completion of CMR consignment note
- Indicate real value of goods for adequate insurance coverage
- Photo-document goods condition when handing over to carrier
- Keep all transport-related documents
For Consignees:
- Carefully inspect goods upon receipt
- If damage is discovered, immediately make notes in consignment note
- Notify consignor of any violations as soon as possible
- Keep packaging until complete content verification
For Carriers:
- Ensure proper condition of transport vehicles
- Conduct thorough inspection of goods upon acceptance
- Maintain temperature regimes for special cargo
- Keep detailed documentation of all transport stages
Modern CMR Development Trends
In the era of logistics process digitalization, GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS actively implements electronic consignment notes (e-CMR), which provide:
- Accelerated document flow
- Reduced number of errors
- Increased transport process transparency
- Environmental benefits through reduced paper documentation
Conclusion
Proper understanding and application of CMR rules is critically important for successful international road transport operations. GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS, possessing deep expertise in this field, ensures our clients complete compliance with convention requirements, minimizing risks and maximizing logistics operations efficiency.
By choosing GLOBAL AF LOGISTICS as your logistics partner, you receive guarantee of professional approach to all transport document completion and adherence to international quality standards.