What does CMR stand for?
What is a CMR document? What does this mysterious abbreviation mean? CMR stands for Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route. In Polish, it translates as "Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road". It is an international convention that significantly simplifies placing and executing orders in international transport. Its provisions sort out the issue of delays in delivery, loss of, or transport damage. The international CMR agreement contains all necessary provisions concerning complaints and the issue of engaging other carriers as subcontractors. It is worth noting that the international CMR agreement overlaps perfectly with national regulations. It should also be emphasized that the CMR agreement itself does not require the issuance of a waybill between the parties to the transaction. It is stipulated in Article 4 of the Convention, but the document issued in this way plays an important role in the efficient course of transport.
CMR document - what is its idea?
What is the idea of the CMR waybill? Unfortunately, it is not an official standard binding within the international CMR convention. However, an international consignment note is a confirmation of a contract between parties. On its basis, the carrier and the customer will find out everything about the cargo. In case of problems, it is easier to solve a possible problem with a complaint or reimbursement for a service not performed. The document has a very important task and is additional protection not only for the carrier or subcontractor but also for the customer. It is worth taking care of the correct documentation of the shipment, which may later constitute important evidence in the case when serious damage occurs through the fault or not of the forwarding company.
What should a CMR waybill contain? There is no uniform template, but it is advisable to include in such a document all important data relating to the cargo. It is best to follow elements listed by basic national regulations, as well as standards imposed by national and international shipping companies. A waybill should not only contain contact information, but also a description and dimensions of the items being transported. It is worth checking the templates used by the major shipping companies. You can easily find them on the Internet on the main websites of forwarding companies or by using Google search engine. A well drafted waybill is an important document confirming the contract - it is worth taking care of its proper construction.
Waybill in English - is it worth it?
Is it worth making a waybill in English? In the case of international transport, it is worth sticking to standards that will allow foreigners to use the services freely. Many forwarding companies, especially international logistic concerns, have in their standard waybills not only in English but also in local languages. It significantly facilitates communication between the client, the courier, and the forwarder and also significantly expands the scope of activities on foreign markets. A well structured letter in a foreign language should contain the same information as its equivalent in the native language. It is a solution that greatly facilitates many issues related to the order of carriage on international routes.
CMR waybill - what should it contain? Regardless of the language chosen, this type of document should contain some basic information that will help the courier, forwarder, and also be helpful in case of a claim. A well-structured form should contain not only the sender's and addressee's address data but the details of the shipment are also important. A waybill should also include information about costs and conditions for international shipments. The right choice of information gives a clear customer-carrier relationship and each party knows what to expect, as well as how to respond in the event of unforeseen events.
National waybill - what are the differences?
Is the national waybill different from the international one? In principle, no - both documents are one of the proofs of a contract between the carrier and the sender. Based on these documents, the sender and the receiver receive the declared cargo, which in the same quantity and intact condition should appear at the designated address. Domestic and international waybills have the same function and are issued in three copies. One is for the addressee, another for the shipping company, and the third copy is kept by the sender. There are some differences in the printed form and in the fact that the international waybill is not formally regulated by any international association.
CMR waybill - who issues it? The shipping company is responsible for issuing the international waybill, just as it is for the domestic waybill. The issue of signatures and their replacement with company stamps is regulated only by national regulations. CMR Association and the Convention do not regulate the appearance of the form, data contained therein, or other formal issues. The dilemma regarding international consignment notes is left to local legislation, which solves it differently in each country. In our country, the issue of waybills is regulated by the Transport Law, and any doubts should be solved by referring to the rules contained therein. What is important, the Polish law imposes the obligation of issuing waybills in domestic and international transport.
What is the role of CMR in transportation?
CMR in international transport - what is its role? It is mutual security for the client and the carrier. The client declares his cargo and the truthfulness of his data. In the case of an entrepreneur, it is a statement that the transport has been carried out by the art of logistics. Currently, Polish law requires the issuance of a waybill, also for international relations. Therefore, it absolutely must be attached to the shipment and handed not only to the sender and forwarder but also to the recipient of the shipment. Please remember to fill in the data correctly every time - it will not only help in faster reaching the addressee but will also become proof in case of a claim.
Will a CMR transport document be provided by each carrier? Yes, it is his obligation and it is regulated by Polish Transport Law. Of course, you should also use waybills, which can be found on the websites of logistics platforms. If the carrier does not mind and respects this type of documents as well, it is worth using them. To sum up, it is a very important document that proves the conclusion of the contract between the client and the forwarding carrier. It provides additional evidence in case of transport damage or a shipment sent to the wrong address. Therefore, it is worth keeping the document until the order is completed and its proper execution is confirmed.