Home / Logistics Knowledge / International Road Consignment Note (CMR and TIR)
International truck freight uses a road consignment note. Between European countries this is normally the CMR note, named after the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road. Cross-border trucking from China into neighbouring countries uses bilateral or multilateral note formats instead. Like the rail note, it is not transferable.
The note is evidence of the contract between shipper and road carrier and a receipt for the cargo. Which format applies depends on the route: CMR between European states, bilateral or multilateral formats for cross-border trucking out of China, and a TIR carnet alongside the note for transit where the carrier holds the qualification.
All of them share one characteristic: the note is not transferable. It travels with the truck, and the consignee signs for the goods at destination on presentation of the note and proof of identity. There is no telex release, and no document-based control over release.
The CMR note is issued under the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road and applies between states party to the convention. It is normally issued in three copies, one each for shipper, carrier, and consignee.
TIR stands for Transports Internationaux Routiers and is administered by the International Road Transport Union. A vehicle holding a TIR carnet clears transit customs on the strength of its seals, without opening the load or lodging a guarantee in each country. That cuts border time significantly.
| Stage | Standard practice | With a TIR carnet |
|---|---|---|
| Transit guarantee | Guarantee or deposit in each country | One guarantee covering the whole transit |
| Border inspection | Possible physical inspection in every country | Released on seals, normally without opening |
| Documentation | A transit document set per country | A single carnet across the transit |
| Conditions | No special qualification | Carrier and vehicle must hold TIR authorisation |
| Field | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | Exporter's full name and address | Must match the customs declaration party |
| Consignee | Importer's full name, address, contact | Not transferable |
| Carrier | Road carrier name and vehicle details | Needed for transit checks |
| Place of taking over and delivery | Specific addresses | Include warehouse and depot names |
| Description of goods | Description, packages, packaging, gross weight, container and seal numbers | Must match the declaration |
| Freight and charges | Prepaid or collect, and the settlement currency | Agree before loading |
| Documents attached | Invoice, packing list, declaration, licences | List them on the note |
| Place and date of issue | Signed by the carrier | Fixes when liability starts |
| Road note (CMR or bilateral) | Rail note | Ocean B/L | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document of title | No | No | Yes, in original form |
| Transferable | No | No | Endorsable |
| Where the original goes | Travels with the truck | Travels with the cargo to the destination station | Held by the shipper and couriered |
| Collection basis | Signed for on the note plus identity | Arrival notice plus identity | One original exchanged for a delivery order |
| Controlling cargo | Payment terms, or changing the consignee | Payment terms, or changing the consignee | Holding the original, or a telex release |
The transport document for road freight, serving as evidence of the contract of carriage and a receipt for the cargo. CMR notes are used between European states, and bilateral or multilateral formats are used for cross-border trucking out of China. It is not transferable and carries no title.
Countries party to the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road, mainly across Europe and with some neighbouring states. Trucking from China into Central Asia, Russia, and Mongolia generally uses bilateral agreement notes instead.
It provides a single transit guarantee and lets customs release the vehicle on its seals without opening the load or taking a deposit in each country. It cuts border time considerably. The carrier and vehicle must hold TIR authorisation.
No. It travels with the vehicle, and the consignee signs for the goods at destination. To change the consignee you must apply for an amendment before delivery takes place.
No. The note is not a document of title, so it gives no control over release. Control comes from the payment arrangement, or indirectly by changing the consignee before delivery.
Record the damage at delivery and have the carrier note it on the consignment note, and photograph the cargo. File within the period set by the CMR convention or the applicable bilateral agreement. Carrier liability is capped, so insure high-value cargo separately.
If the consignee refuses to pay, the carrier can hold the cargo and the shipper remains liable for the freight. With a new customer or an unproven credit record, ship prepaid or have the consignee confirm the collect arrangement before loading.
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