What is and CMR forms?
CMR forms, or bills of lading, are essential in international road transportation. These official documents keep crucial information such as shipper and consignee information, product descriptions and special shipping instructions.
In the world of international freight shipping, CMR forms are a key to smooth logistics processes. They act as proof of the transport agreement between shipper and carrier. This ensures legal compliance for cross-border shipments, an essential aspect of global logistics operations.
For companies in international road transport, filling out a CMR form correctly is very important. The reason? It ensures efficiency and compliance with the law. Thus, a thorough knowledge of CMR forms is essential for seamless, efficient and legal international transportation of goods.
International transportation and CMR bills of lading
Completing a CMR form officially confirms the contract of carriage between the sender and the carrier. This not only ensures the smooth transit of goods, but also acts as a legal document that can be used in the event of any disputes or claims that may arise during the transportation process. For companies engaged in international transportation, it is vital to be familiar with CMR bills of lading and fill them out correctly to ensure that the transportation process is efficient and in compliance with legal requirements.
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What should I fill in all the fields of a CMR waybill?
- Sender (box 1)
- Full name and address of sender
- Company name if applicable
- Contact information (optional)
- Consignee (box 2)
- Full name and address of recipient
- Company name if applicable
- Contact details for delivery
- Reference number, if any
- Delivery address (box 3)
- Exact location where goods are to be delivered
- May differ from addressee's address
- Specific instructions for delivery
- Place and date of receipt (box 4)
- Where the goods were picked up
- Date of pickup
- Possible time of pickup
- Attached documents (box 5)
- Packing lists
- Customs documents
- Certificates
- Invoices
- Other relevant documents
- Marks and numbers (box 6)
- Shipment identification numbers.
- Reference numbers
- Barcode information
- Number of packages (box 7)
- Total number of packages
- Packaging type
- Pallets or other loading units
- Mode of packaging (box 8)
- Description of packaging method used
- Type of packaging material
- Specific packaging requirements
- Nature of goods (box 9)
- Detailed description of cargo
- For hazardous materials: ADR classification
- Product codes if applicable
- Statistics number (box 10)
- Customs code / HS code
- Classification for statistical purposes
- Gross weight in kg (box 11)
- Total weight including packaging
- Must be specified exactly
- Volume in m³ (box 12)
- Space occupied by the shipment
- Important for transportation planning
- Instructions from the sender (box 13).
- Specific handling instructions
- Delivery conditions
- Special wishes
- Instructions for payment of freight charges (box 14)
- Franco (paid by shipper)
- Non postage paid (paid by recipient)
- Payment terms
- Cash on delivery (box 15)
- Any amount to be collected on delivery
- Currency entry
- Carrier (box 16)
- Details of the transport company
- Permit numbers if required
- Contact details
- Successor carriers (box 17)
- Details of any additional carriers
- In transit or combined transport
- Carrier reservations and comments (box 18).
- Visible damage on collection
- Missing documents
- Other particulars
- Payable by (box 19-21)
- Specification of costs
- Distribution between parties
- Additional costs and charges
- Place and date and Signatures (box 22-24)
- Place and date of preparation of CMR
- Signatures of interested parties (3)
- Stamps if required
Signatures
- Sender: Confirms accuracy of data
- Carrier: Confirms receipt of goods
- Addressed: Confirms receipt in good condition
Additional tips for completing:
- Fill in all fields clearly and legibly
- Use capital letters whenever possible
- Do not make erasures
- Keep copies of the CMR
- Ensure signature by all parties
Avoiding common mistakes with CMR
One of the common mistakes is not fully filling in all the required information on the form. It is essential to ensure that all fields are filled in correctly and accurately, including the name and address information of both the sender and recipient, a detailed description of the goods, quantity and weight.
Sample CMR waybill
Frequently asked questions about CMR forms
How long should a CMR form be kept?
According to administrative regulations, CMR bills of lading should be retained for 7 years. The CMR document can be retained either digitally or on paper.
What is the purpose of a CMR form?
A CMR form serves as proof of the transportation contract, contains information about the goods and the parties involved in the transportation, and establishes liability for those goods. It also helps track the movement of goods.
