Consignment note: everything you need to know about this transport document

The consignment note, also known under the name CMR (Convention for the carriage of goods by road), is a fundamental instrument in the transport of goods. Whether in physical or dematerialized form, it serves as an official agreement between three major players in the transport process: the shipper, the client and the carrier. But what exactly is a consignment note? What are the mandatory details of this document? Or is there a specific format to follow? Find out everything you need to know about the waybill.

What is a consignment note?

La Consignment note, often referred to under the acronym CMR (of the 1956 Geneva Road Goods Convention), serves to organize and clarify the terms of international road transport, while defining the responsibilities of the carrier. Adopted by 55 countries, including the entire EU, it originated in founding countries such as France, Germany and Switzerland.

What are the different types of waybills?

This document is available in three variants, depending on the specific geographical area where the goods are transported:

• National consignment note : Intended for shipments of goods exclusively within French territory.
• International consignment note : Used for expeditions to countries that have adopted the 1956 Geneva Convention.
• Single consignment note : This versatile version can be used either as LVN or LVI. It is recognized both in France and abroad. When using it, the irrelevant mention should be crossed out.

What should the waybill include?

Even if the letter does not have a strict format, the legislation imposes several essential elements to be included in a consignment note:

• Date and place of writing : The date on which the document is prepared and the place of establishment must be clearly mentioned.
• Carrier identification : Name, full address and SIREN numbers and intra-community of the carrier.
• Date the goods were picked up : This is the date on which the carrier officially takes charge of the goods.
• Merchandise Details : A precise description of the nature of the goods, as well as their quantity, weight and volume.
• Contact details of the parties : The full name and address of the sender and receiver must be specified.
• Locations of operation : The exact addresses of the loading point and the unloading point are to be indicated.
• For international shipments : In the case of an international consignment note, it is imperative to mention the countries of origin and destination of the goods.

Source: Zervant

Who writes the consignment note?

In terms of writing this letter, three actors can do it: the sender, the client, or directly the carrier. However, each party must have a copy of this letter to ensure transparency and the smooth running of the transport.

What are the different formats to be respected?

Even if the consignment note has no fixed structure, the decree of 9 November 1999 stipulates a format to be respected.

First of all, it is mandatory that the document, as well as its summary, be written on paper, with a copy kept in the transport vehicle.

Note that it is possible to formalize it digitally or electronically, subject to certain rules: the document must reside on a single digital medium present on board. We then refer to this format under the name of Electronic consignment note or eCMR, offering companies a significant optimization of their time and enjoying international legal recognition.

During a traffic check, you will need to present the letter, whether in electronic or paper form. If the officer in charge of the check does not have the means to access the electronic format, the presentation of the consignment note must be adjusted according to his instructions.

Do you want to know all the essential documents to have for parcel delivery drivers? That's good, we've written a complete article that includes them. Consult: What are the mandatory documents for the transport of goods?

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