Documents
CMR consignment note
The international road consignment note under the CMR Convention, serving as receipt and evidence of the road transport contract.
In four languages
The CMR note is the standard document for international trucking where the CMR Convention applies, that is, when the place of loading or delivery is in a contracting state. It is usually issued in three originals for sender, carrier and consignee. It is not a document of title: the goods are delivered to the named consignee, and the sender can change instructions only while holding its copy, unless the note says otherwise. Contracting states on Central Asian and Middle Corridor routes include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Afghanistan and Oman. Example: a truck from Urumqi to Almaty travels under a CMR note because Kazakhstan is a party. Any damage found at delivery should be written on the CMR note before signing, as this supports a later claim.
Questions
Is a CMR note a document of title like a bill of lading?
No. It is a receipt and evidence of the contract, and the goods are released to the consignee named on it.
What should I do if goods arrive damaged by truck?
Write the damage on the CMR note and delivery receipt before signing, take photos and keep the packaging, then contact your forwarder to start a claim, because time limits apply.