The CMR consignment note accompanies every commercial road transport of goods across a national border within the CMR states. It documents sender, consignee, carrier, cargo, weight and the condition of the goods when taken over and on delivery. Unlike a bill of lading, it is not a document of title – it proves the contract of carriage, but not ownership of the goods.
For container transport this means: The driver notes visible damage to the container or the cargo in the CMR. If you notice damage upon delivery, you should have it noted in the CMR and photograph it before signing – later claims without a CMR note are difficult to enforce.
More about cross-border transport: Container transport in Europe.
Last updated: 8 September 2026 · Editor: Coin Container Team, Hamburg