The standard road consignment note for international road freight
What is a CMR?
The CMR is the international road consignment note that records the contract of carriage for cross-border road shipments between countries that apply the CMR Convention. It sets out who is shipping and carrying the goods, what is being moved, where it is collected and where it is delivered. It is not a title document and does not transfer ownership.
When it is used
Use a CMR for international road transport legs. For domestic-only road moves, a standard consignment note usually suffices. Many countries also recognise e-CMR, which is the electronic form of the note.
What appears on a CMR
| Section | Typical content |
|---|---|
| Parties | Shipper/consignor, carrier, consignee |
| Locations | Collection address, delivery address, transit notes |
| Goods | Description, number of packages, weight/volume, HS code if shown |
| Instructions | Handling, temperature, COD, special remarks |
| Signatures | Shipper and carrier at collection, consignee at delivery with any remarks |
Why it matters
- Standardises paperwork and responsibilities in cross-border road freight.
- Supports claims handling if loss or damage occurs.
- Helps prevent delays at borders and delivery points.
Good practice
- Match details to your Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
- Use e-CMR where recognised to cut errors and speed up processing.
- Keep all originals and digital copies for audit and claim purposes.
How Clintopia helps
We arrange international road freight with correct CMR paperwork, timing and vehicle selection. For port to door moves, see Container Haulage. For border paperwork and tariff codes, see Customs Clearance. For complete door to door coordination, see Freight Forwarding.
Related terms
- Incoterms (EXW, FCA, CPT, CIP, DAP, DPU, DDP)
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- EORI Number
- Commodity or HS Code
- Cargo Insurance
- Groupage
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