CMR Form: Fill In a CMR Consignment Note Online and Print
A CMR consignment note is made out in three originals signed by the sender and the carrier (CMR Article 5) and must contain the 11 particulars of Article 6(1): the date and place it is made out, the sender, the carrier, the place and date of taking over and the place designated for delivery, the consignee, the nature of the goods and method of packing, the number of packages with their marks and numbers, the gross weight, the carriage charges, the instructions for customs and other formalities, and the statement that the carriage is subject to CMR. This tool places each particular in its box on the IRU 2007 form and prints the note in your browser. In Logistivo the same CMR is generated in one click from the load's data in the Load Management module.
Source: UN — United Nations Treaty Series · legislation.gov.uk · UN Treaty Collection · UN — certified true copy · GOV.UK · IRU · European Commission.
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Fill in your CMR consignment note step by step
Fill in your CMR consignment note step by step — The IRU 2007 sheet on the right fills box by box; the Article 6 list ticks off each mandatory particular.
The form runs entirely in your browser: nothing you type is sent or stored anywhere. Close the page and the data is gone.
Box numbers belong to the printed form, not to the Convention: Article 6 lists particulars, and the IRU spread them over 24 boxes in its 2007 model. Older layouts — including the PDF Logistivo generates for a load — number some boxes differently; the old number is shown next to every box in the guide below.
Signatures go on the printout, in boxes 22 and 23, on each of the three originals (CMR Article 5(1)). The carrier writes any reservations in box 8 when taking over the goods — here or by hand. The consignee signs box 24 on delivery.
Three pages print: the sender's copy, the consignee's copy (travels with the goods) and the carrier's copy. For a file, choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog. The printout is a paper consignment note, not an e-CMR.
Parties and places — Who sends, who receives, who drives — and from where to where.
Goods — What is carried, in how many packages, how it is packed and how heavy it is.
Terms and signatures — Instructions, charges, cash on delivery, agreements and where the note is made out.
1. Sender (Expéditeur (nom, adresse, pays — Sender: Name and full address with country — as on the order.
2. Consignee (Destinataire (nom, adresse, pays — Sender: The company that takes delivery and signs box 24.
3. Taking over the goods — place and date (Prise en charge de la marchandise — Sender: Place, country and date of loading.
4. Delivery of the goods — place (Livraison de la marchandise — Sender: Place designated for delivery; dock opening hours optional.
5. Sender's instructions (Instructions de l'expéditeur — Sender: Instructions for customs and other formalities, no transhipment, insurance.
6. Carrier (Transporteur (nom, adresse, pays, autres références — Carrier: The carrier taking over the goods: name, address, country.
7. Successive carriers (Transporteurs successifs — Carrier: Only if several road carriers perform the carriage in turn.
8. Carrier's reservations and observations (Réserves et observations du transporteur lors de la prise en charge de la marchandise — Carrier: Entered by the carrier on taking over the goods, with reasons.
9. Documents handed to the carrier (Documents remis au transporteur par l'expéditeur — Sender: Invoice, packing list, certificates, customs documents.
10. Marks and numbers (Marques et numéros — Sender: Marks on the packages, e.g. pallet or order numbers.
11. Number of packages (Nombre des colis — Sender: Pallets, cartons or crates the carrier can count.
12. Method of packing (Mode d'emballage — Sender: E.g. pallets, cartons, crates.
13. Nature of the goods (Nature de la marchandise — Sender: Common description; for dangerous goods the ADR name and UN number.
14. Gross weight in kg (Poids brut, kg — Sender: Weight including packaging.
15. Volume in m³ (Cubage m3 — Sender: Optional, alongside the weight.
16. Special agreements (Conventions particulières entre l'expéditeur et le transporteur — Sender: Declared value, special interest in delivery, time-limit, open vehicle.
17. To be paid by (A payer par — Carrier: Who pays carriage and other charges — sender or consignee.
18. Other useful particulars (Autres indications utiles — Sender: Registration, TIR carnet or customs document number.
19. Cash on delivery (Remboursement — Sender: Amount the carrier collects from the consignee on delivery.
20. CMR clause (pre-printed) (Mention CMR (pré-imprimée — Pre-printed: The Article 6(1)(k) statement — pre-printed on the form.
21. Established in / on (Établie à / le — Carrier: Place and date the note is made out.
22. Signature or stamp of the sender (Signature ou timbre de l'expéditeur — Sender: On the printout, on every original.
23. Signature or stamp of the carrier (Signature ou timbre du transporteur — Carrier: When taking over the goods.
24. Goods received (Marchandises reçues — signature et timbre du destinataire — Consignee: Consignee: place, date, time, signature and stamp on delivery.
20 — This carriage is subject, notwithstanding any clause to the contrary, to the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR). Ce transport est soumis, nonobstant toute clause contraire, à la Convention relative au contrat de transport international de marchandises par route (CMR).
How many copies of a CMR note are needed, and what do the colours mean? — The Convention requires three originals signed by the sender and the carrier, and GOV.UK's guidance for UK operators says the same: you will need 3 copies. The IRU 2007 model adds a fourth copy for administrative procedures.
1. Sender's copy — red · stays with the sender — Anyone who wants to change instructions during transit (the right of disposal) must produce this first copy (Article 12(5)(a)).
2. Consignee's copy — blue · travels with the goods — Accompanies the goods for the whole journey; on arrival the consignee receives it with the goods and signs box 24 (Article 13(1)).
3. Carrier's copy — green · stays with the carrier — Prima facie evidence of the contract, its conditions and the carrier's receipt of the goods (Article 9(1)).
4. Administrative copy (IRU model) — black · optional — The IRU 2007 model's fourth copy, reserved for administrative procedures. The Convention does not require it.
Basis: CMR Article 5(1) and (2), Article 9(1), Article 12(5)(a), Article 13(1); colours: IRU guide to the 2007 model; GOV.UK, Carry out international road haulage.
If the goods are loaded in different vehicles, or are of different kinds or divided into different lots, the sender or the carrier may require a separate consignment note for each vehicle, kind or lot (Article 5(2)). Signatures may be printed or replaced by stamps if the law of the country where the note is made out permits it (Article 5(1)).
Your next CMR doesn't have to start from a blank form — In Logistivo, the “CMR” button on a load builds a PDF from the order data: sender, consignee, carrier with VAT number and registration, loading and delivery places, packages, packing, goods, weight and volume — as separate copies for the sender, the consignee and the carrier. Upload the signed note to the load's chat and it is recognised as a CMR.
Load Management — A CMR in one click from the load's data, in three copies.
Driver App — The driver reports status and location; every status change is saved with its time.
Logistivo for Carriers — Loads, drivers and load documents in one panel.
What must a CMR consignment note contain? The Article 6 checklist
What must a CMR consignment note contain? The Article 6 checklist — Article 6(1) CMR lists eleven particulars the note always contains; Article 6(2) lists seven more that are added “where applicable”; Article 6(3) lets the parties enter anything else they find useful. The status below changes as you fill in the form.
Article 6(1) — always (a–k)
a) The date of the consignment note and the place at which it is made out — [21] Box 21 — framed in heavy lines on the IRU model, so it is the carrier's to fill in. It is not one of the particulars for which the sender is liable under Article 7(1). The tool ticks it when both place and date are entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(a)
b) The name and address of the sender — [1] Box 1. The sender is liable to the carrier for expenses, loss and damage caused by inaccurate or inadequate particulars (Article 7(1)(a)). Ticked when name and address are entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(b)
c) The name and address of the carrier — [6] Box 6. The carrier's own particular — not on the Article 7(1)(a) list. Ticked when name and address are entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(c)
d) The place and the date of taking over of the goods and the place designated for delivery — [3, 4] Boxes 3 and 4. Sender liable (Article 7(1)(a)). These two places also decide whether CMR applies at all: they must be in two different countries, at least one of them a contracting country (Article 1(1)). Ticked when the place and date of taking over and the place of delivery are entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(d); Art. 1
e) The name and address of the consignee — [2] Box 2. Sender liable (Article 7(1)(a)); this consignee may require the second copy and the goods on arrival (Article 13(1)). Ticked when name and address are entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(e); Art. 13
f) The description in common use of the nature of the goods and the method of packing, and, for dangerous goods, their generally recognised description — [13, 12] Boxes 13 and 12 plus the ADR line (UN number). Sender liable (Article 7(1)(a)). If the danger was not stated, the sender or consignee must prove some other way that the carrier knew of it (Article 22(1)). Ticked when nature and packing are entered — and, with “Dangerous goods (ADR)” switched on, the UN number too. CMR Art. 6(1)(f); Art. 22
g) The number of packages and their special marks and numbers — [11, 10] Boxes 11 and 10. The carrier checks them on taking over (Article 8(1)(a)); without reservations they are presumed to match the note (Article 9(2)). Ticked when both the number and the marks are entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(g); Art. 8–9
h) The gross weight of the goods or their quantity otherwise expressed — [14, 15] Box 14 (or 15). The sender may require the carrier to check the gross weight or quantity; the result is entered in the note and the carrier may claim the cost (Article 8(3)). Ticked when a weight or a volume is entered. CMR Art. 6(1)(h); Art. 8(3)
i) Charges relating to the carriage (carriage charges, supplementary charges, customs duties and other charges incurred from the making of the contract to the time of delivery) — [17] Box 17. If the amounts cannot be given, the IRU advises at least naming who pays. A consignee who exercises its rights under Article 13(1) pays the charges shown to be due on the note (Article 13(2)). Ticked when a payer or an amount is set on any row. CMR Art. 6(1)(i); Art. 13(2); IRU guide 2007
j) The requisite instructions for Customs and other formalities — [5] Box 5. Sender liable (Article 7(1)(a)); the sender attaches the necessary documents or places them at the carrier's disposal (Article 11(1)). The tool treats (j) as met when you enter instructions or tick that no formalities apply. CMR Art. 6(1)(j); Art. 11
k) A statement that the carriage is subject, notwithstanding any clause to the contrary, to the provisions of this Convention — [20] Box 20 — pre-printed on the form. The only omission the Convention expressly puts on the carrier: it is liable for all expenses, loss and damage the person entitled to dispose of the goods suffers through it (Article 7(3)). CMR Art. 6(1)(k); Art. 7(3)
Article 6(2) — where applicable (a–g)
a) A statement that trans-shipment is not allowed — [5] Box 5. The sender is liable for Article 6(2) particulars (Article 7(1)(b)). Shown as entered when “Transhipment not allowed” is ticked. CMR Art. 6(2)(a)
b) The charges which the sender undertakes to pay — [17] Box 17, “Sender” column. Shown as entered when the sender is set as payer on any row. CMR Art. 6(2)(b)
c) The amount of “cash on delivery” charges — [19] Box 19. A carrier that delivers without collecting the cash on delivery provided for in the contract must compensate the sender up to that amount (Article 21). CMR Art. 6(2)(c); Art. 21
d) A declaration of the value of the goods and the amount representing special interest in delivery — [16] Box 16. Against an agreed surcharge, the declared value replaces the Article 23 limit (Article 24); a declared special interest in delivery allows further proven loss or damage to be claimed up to that amount (Article 26). CMR Art. 6(2)(d); Art. 24, 26
e) The sender's instructions to the carrier regarding insurance of the goods — [5] Box 5. CMR Art. 6(2)(e)
f) The agreed time-limit within which the carriage is to be carried out — [16] Box 16. Delay occurs when this time-limit is exceeded; without one, the time a diligent carrier could reasonably be allowed applies (Article 19). CMR Art. 6(2)(f); Art. 19
g) A list of the documents handed to the carrier — [9] Box 9. The carrier need not enquire into the accuracy or adequacy of these documents; the sender is liable for damage caused by their absence, inadequacy or irregularity (Article 11(2)). CMR Art. 6(2)(g); Art. 11
Article 6(3): the parties may enter any other particulars they deem useful — the registration number in box 18, for example. Carriage in an open unsheeted vehicle relieves the carrier of the special risks that come with it only if it was expressly agreed and specified in the consignment note (Article 17(4)(a)).
Who fills in which box of a CMR note, and who signs?
Who fills in which box of a CMR note, and who signs? — The Convention does not say who fills in the form; the IRU 2007 model says it in its margin: boxes 1–5, 9–16, 18 and 22 are completed on the sender's responsibility, and the spaces framed with heavy lines are filled in by the carrier. The consignee signs box 24 on delivery; box 20 is pre-printed. If the carrier enters particulars at the sender's request, it is deemed to have done so on the sender's behalf unless the contrary is proved (Article 7(2)). For UK operators, GOV.UK adds that the note can be filled in by the haulier, the company sending the goods abroad or a freight forwarder.
The “Old layout” column gives the same box's number on older forms — including the PDF Logistivo generates for a load. Some pads swap boxes 14/15 and 19/20, so go by the box heading, not the number.
1. Sender (Expéditeur (nom, adresse, pays — Sender — The sender's full company name, street, postcode, town and country — the party to the contract of carriage. — Common mistake: The loading warehouse's address instead of the sender's; the place of taking over belongs in box 3. — Art. 6(1)(b) — Old layout: 1
2. Consignee (Destinataire (nom, adresse, pays — Sender — The company that takes delivery and signs box 24, with full address and country. — Common mistake: The invoice addressee instead of the company that actually takes delivery. — Art. 6(1)(e); Art. 13 — Old layout: 2
3. Taking over the goods — place and date (Prise en charge de la marchandise — Sender — Place and country of taking over, and the date. The IRU recommends adding the vehicle's arrival and departure times — useful if waiting time is charged. — Common mistake: The date the note was made out instead of the actual day of loading. — Art. 6(1)(d); IRU guide 2007 — Old layout: 4
4. Delivery of the goods — place (Livraison de la marchandise — Sender — The place designated for delivery in the contract; the IRU recommends adding the warehouse opening hours. — Common mistake: Only the town, when the consignee has several unloading points there. — Art. 6(1)(d) — Old layout: 3
5. Sender's instructions (Instructions de l'expéditeur — Sender — Instructions for customs and other formalities (customs office, procedure, declaration or MRN number), no transhipment, insurance instructions. — Common mistake: An empty box on a movement that needs customs clearance — the sender is liable for missing instructions. — Art. 6(1)(j), 6(2)(a) and (e); Art. 7(1) — Old layout: 13
6. Carrier (Transporteur (nom, adresse, pays, autres références — Carrier — The carrier taking over the goods: name, address, country; plus its VAT number and its own job reference. — Common mistake: Adding the carrier to one copy only, afterwards — all copies are filled in the same way. — Art. 6(1)(c); IRU guide 2007 — Old layout: 16
7. Successive carriers (Transporteurs successifs — Carrier — Name and address of the next road carrier. A carrier accepting the goods from the previous one gives it a dated, signed receipt and enters its name and address on the second copy. — Common mistake: Entering the subcontractor who performs the whole job — per the IRU, a subcontracted carrier gets its own consignment note, with the contracting carrier as sender. — Art. 34–35; IRU FAQ No. 23 — Old layout: 17
8. Carrier's reservations and observations (Réserves et observations du transporteur lors de la prise en charge de la marchandise — Carrier — Reasoned reservations on the number of packages, their marks and numbers, and the apparent condition of the goods and packaging, entered on taking over. — Common mistake: A reservation without reasons, or on the carrier's copy only. The IRU advises entering it on every copy and having the sender countersign — the sender is not bound unless it expressly agrees. — Art. 8(1)–(2); Art. 9(2); IRU FAQ No. 12 — Old layout: 18
9. Documents handed to the carrier (Documents remis au transporteur par l'expéditeur — Sender — List of the documents handed over: invoice, packing list, certificates, customs documents. — Common mistake: The papers ride in the cab but are not listed — later it is hard to prove what was handed over. — Art. 6(2)(g); Art. 11 — Old layout: 5
10. Marks and numbers (Marques et numéros — Sender — Marks on the packages: pallet or order numbers, labels. — Common mistake: An empty box on marked goods — the carrier checks marks and numbers on taking over. — Art. 6(1)(g); Art. 8(1)(a) — Old layout: 6
11. Number of packages (Nombre des colis — Sender — The number of packages the carrier can count: pallets, cartons, crates. — Common mistake: The carton count inside shrink-wrapped pallets the carrier cannot count — that calls for a reservation in box 8. — Art. 6(1)(g); Art. 8(2) — Old layout: 7
12. Method of packing (Mode d'emballage — Sender — Method of packing: pallets, cartons, crates, loose. — Common mistake: No packing stated — the sender is liable for damage caused by defective packing, unless the defect was apparent or known to the carrier on taking over and it made no reservation. — Art. 6(1)(f); Art. 10 — Old layout: 8
13. Nature of the goods (Nature de la marchandise — Sender — The common description of the goods, clear without the invoice; for dangerous goods the ADR name and UN number. Whether the load falls under the 1.1.3.6 exemption is shown by the ADR 1000 points calculator. — Common mistake: Only the commodity code, or catch-alls such as “general cargo”. — Art. 6(1)(f); Art. 22 — Old layout: 9
14. Gross weight in kg (Poids brut, kg — Sender — Gross weight in kilograms, including packaging. — Common mistake: The net weight from the invoice instead of the gross weight. — Art. 6(1)(h); Art. 8(3) — Old layout: 11
15. Volume in m³ (Cubage m3 — Sender — Volume in m³, where it matters for the load. — Art. 6(3) — Old layout: 12
16. Special agreements (Conventions particulières entre l'expéditeur et le transporteur — Sender — Agreements between sender and carrier: declared value, special interest in delivery, time-limit, consent to an open vehicle, jurisdiction. — Common mistake: Declaring a value without an agreed surcharge — Article 24 ties the declaration to a surcharge. — Art. 6(2)(d) and (f); Art. 17(4)(a); Art. 24, 26 — Old layout: 19
17. To be paid by (A payer par — Carrier — Who pays carriage, supplementary charges, customs duties and other charges — sender or consignee; amounts where known. — Common mistake: An empty box — the IRU advises at least naming the payer to avoid disputes. — Art. 6(1)(i), 6(2)(b); IRU guide 2007 — Old layout: 14 + 20
18. Other useful particulars (Autres indications utiles — Sender — Other useful particulars: tractor and trailer registration, load capacity, net weight, TIR carnet or customs document number. — Art. 6(3); IRU guide 2007 — Old layout: —
19. Cash on delivery (Remboursement — Sender — The cash on delivery amount and currency the carrier is to collect from the consignee. — Common mistake: Cash on delivery agreed by email but never entered on the note. — Art. 6(2)(c); Art. 21 — Old layout: 15
20. CMR clause (pre-printed) (Mention CMR (pré-imprimée — Pre-printed — The statement that the carriage is subject to CMR — pre-printed on the IRU model, you enter nothing. — Common mistake: A home-made template without the statement: the omission falls on the carrier. — Art. 6(1)(k); Art. 7(3) — Old layout: —
21. Established in / on (Établie à / le — Carrier — Place and date the consignment note is made out. — Art. 6(1)(a) — Old layout: 21
22. Signature or stamp of the sender (Signature ou timbre de l'expéditeur — Sender — Signature or stamp of the sender on each of the three originals. — Common mistake: Signing one copy only. — Art. 5(1) — Old layout: 22
23. Signature or stamp of the carrier (Signature ou timbre du transporteur — Carrier — Signature or stamp of the carrier (the driver) on taking over. — Common mistake: Signing without a reservation although the goods could not be checked, for example in a sealed container. — Art. 5(1); Art. 8; IRU FAQ No. 13 — Old layout: 23
24. Goods received (Marchandises reçues — signature et timbre du destinataire — Consignee — Consignee: place, date, arrival and departure time, signature and stamp. Apparent loss or damage is reserved at the latest on delivery; loss or damage that is not apparent, in writing within 7 days (Sundays and public holidays excepted). The IRU notes that the copy signed by the consignee is the proof of delivery a haulier attaches to its invoice. — Common mistake: A signature without date and time — the IRU recommends both, because waiting-time charges depend on them. — Art. 13(1); Art. 30(1); IRU guide 2007; IRU FAQ No. 27 — Old layout: 24
CMR notes in the UK and on international routes — practical questions
How do I fill in a CMR form, and in what order? — Follow the journey rather than the box numbers: the sender enters most particulars before loading, the carrier checks and signs when taking over the goods, and the consignee closes the note on delivery. On the IRU 2007 layout that works out as follows:
Before loading — parties and places: sender (1), consignee (2), place and date of taking over (3), place of delivery (4), carrier (6). If those two places are in two different countries and at least one is a CMR country, the carriage is subject to CMR (Article 1(1)).
Goods, from the packing list: marks and numbers (10), number of packages (11), packing (12), nature of the goods (13), gross weight (14) — gross, not net; for dangerous goods the ADR name and UN number.
Instructions and money: customs instructions (5), documents handed over (9), special agreements (16), who pays (17), cash on delivery (19).
At loading: the carrier checks the number of packages, their marks and their apparent condition (Article 8(1)), writes reasoned reservations in box 8 if needed, and sender (22) and carrier (23) sign all three originals (Article 5(1)).
On delivery: the consignee signs box 24 with place, date and time and notes any apparent damage at the latest then (Article 30(1)).
CMR Art. 1, 5, 8, 30; IRU guide 2007
In Logistivo, the boxes fill from the order — In Logistivo, the “CMR” button on a load builds the PDF from the load's own data: sender, consignee, carrier with VAT number and registration, loading and delivery places, loading date, load reference, number of packages, packing, nature of the goods, gross weight, volume and the instructions from the load note. Special agreements and signatures are completed by hand on the printout. (Load Management in Logistivo)
Do I need a CMR note for a UK domestic job, or from Great Britain to Northern Ireland? — Not as a CMR note. The Convention applies to carriage of goods by road for reward when the place of taking over and the place designated for delivery are in two different countries, at least one of them a contracting country (Article 1(1)). The Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965 gives those provisions the force of law in the UK for contracts to which the Convention applies (section 1). Birmingham to Glasgow is carriage within one country, so it is not CMR carriage — and neither is Manchester to Belfast, because Great Britain and Northern Ireland are both part of the United Kingdom. Manchester to Dublin is: the UK acceded to CMR in 1967 and Ireland in 1991 (UN Treaty Collection). A route that crosses another country between two places in the same country stays outside CMR (IRU FAQ No. 5). For international work, GOV.UK's guidance for UK operators is plain: you must have a CMR note on all international journeys if you are carrying goods on a commercial basis.
A trailer that crosses on a ferry, or on a rail shuttle through the Channel Tunnel, without the goods being unloaded from the vehicle stays under CMR for the whole carriage (Article 2(1); IRU FAQ No. 7).
Parties can agree CMR terms for a domestic job, but only as far as mandatory national law allows (IRU FAQ No. 6); the pre-printed clause in box 20 does not turn a domestic job into an international one.
CMR Art. 1–2; Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965, s. 1; UNTC XI-B-11; IRU FAQ Nos. 5–7; GOV.UK: Carry out international road haulage
Where do I get blank CMR forms in the UK — or a CMR PDF template? — The Convention prescribes no particular form, only the particulars in Article 6 (IRU FAQ No. 10). The IRU drew up a model that meets all of them in 1976 and updated it in 2007; the model can be downloaded from the IRU website. For UK operators, GOV.UK points to pre-printed CMR notes sold by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Logistics UK. You can also print one here: “Blank CMR form” prints the IRU 2007 layout as three pages — the sender's, consignee's and carrier's copies — and “Save as PDF” in the print dialog gives you a blank CMR PDF. If you use your own Word or PDF template, check two things:
The box 20 statement — that the carriage is subject to CMR — must still be on it; if it is missing, the carrier bears the consequences (Article 7(3)).
The note is made out in three originals, each signed by the sender and the carrier (Article 5(1)).
IRU FAQ No. 10; GOV.UK: Carry out international road haulage; CMR Art. 5, 7(3)
Prefer the CMR emailed to you as a PDF? — Logistivo's CMR document tool takes your details once and emails the CMR PDF to you, with your company logo printed on it if you upload one. The tool on this page works the other way round: it sends nothing and prints straight from your browser. (Create a CMR document (PDF by email))
Is an electronic CMR (e-CMR) accepted in the UK? — Yes, on carriage between parties to the e-CMR Protocol. The UK acceded to the Additional Protocol to the CMR concerning the Electronic Consignment Note (Geneva, 20 February 2008) on 20 December 2019, and it entered into force for the UK on the ninetieth day after that, 19 March 2020 (Article 8(2)). The government's explanatory memorandum says the Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965 did not need amending, because electronic documents and signatures are generally acceptable under domestic law, and that the e-CMR is an alternative to paper rather than a replacement: a party that does not want to use it remains free to use the paper note. An e-CMR under the Protocol has the same evidentiary value as the paper note (Article 2(2)), contains the same particulars (Article 4(1)), is authenticated by a reliable electronic signature (Article 3) and rests on procedures the parties agree (Article 5). The Protocol binds only its parties: 42 as of 26 September 2026 according to the UN Treaty Collection, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy and Türkiye. Belgium signed in 2008 but has not ratified, and Ireland is not on the list.
A printout from this tool — even saved as a PDF — is a paper consignment note: valid evidence once the three originals are signed, but not an e-CMR.
In the EU, from 9 July 2027 Member State authorities must accept information that operators share electronically via certified eFTI platforms (Regulation (EU) 2020/1056); that applies to checks carried out on EU territory.
e-CMR Protocol Arts 2–5, 8; UNTC XI-B-11-b (26 Sep 2026); UK explanatory memorandum, MS No. 26/2019; Regulation (EU) 2020/1056
What is a CMR number, and where is it on the form? — The Convention does not require one — a number is not among the Article 6 particulars. The issuer of the note or the printer of the form assigns it. On the IRU 2007 model the same number appears in two places, at the top right and at the bottom left of the page, and the country of issue is shown at the top (Pays/Country). In this tool the number is optional and prints at the top right, under the country. It is still worth using: the same reference ties the invoice, the proof of delivery and your correspondence to one carriage.
CMR Art. 6; IRU guide 2007
What happens if a CMR note is incomplete or wrong? — The contract of carriage survives: the absence, irregularity or loss of the consignment note does not affect the existence or validity of the contract (Article 4). According to the IRU, a note with empty boxes stays valid if it is signed or stamped by the carrier or the sender (IRU FAQ No. 9). The consequences attach to individual particulars:
The sender is liable to the carrier for expenses, loss and damage caused by inaccurate or inadequate particulars under Article 6(1)(b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (j) and under Article 6(2) (Article 7(1)).
If the box 20 statement is missing, the carrier is liable for the expenses, loss and damage that causes (Article 7(3)) — which is why the IRU model pre-prints it.
Without reasoned reservations in box 8, the goods and packaging are presumed to have been in apparent good condition and the number, marks and numbers of the packages to have matched the note (Article 9(2)).
No cash on delivery on the note, no claim under Article 21; no declared value or special interest, no higher liability under Articles 24 and 26.
Administratively, the IRU notes that most countries treat the CMR note as a control document that must be in the vehicle, and that its absence can lead to a sanction (IRU FAQ No. 8).
CMR Arts 4, 7, 9, 21, 24, 26; IRU FAQ Nos. 8–9
How it works in Logistivo — In Logistivo the consignment note is built from the load's data — sender, consignee, carrier, packages and weight appear exactly as on the order, and the CMR clause prints in English and French. After taking over, upload the signed copy to the load's chat: it is recognised as a CMR and stays with the load, and every status change (loading, delivery) is saved with its date and time. (Load Management in Logistivo · Driver App)
The CMR note in Logistivo — This tool is for a single consignment note. In the Logistivo platform the same note belongs to the load.
CMR from the load's data — The “CMR” button on a load produces a PDF with sender, consignee, carrier and goods — no retyping.
Three coloured copies — A separate PDF for sender, consignee and carrier, with the CMR clause in English and French.
The signed note stays with the load — A photo or scan uploaded to the load's chat is recognised as a CMR and stays available to that load's participants.
Status with a timestamp — The driver reports status and location in the app; every change is saved with its date and time.
Related pages
What is a CMR? Get the PDF by email — The definition, what the boxes mean, and a Logistivo tool that emails you the CMR PDF once you enter the details.
CMR liability calculator: the 8.33 SDR limit — The per-kilo liability limit and the claim deadlines after delivery.
Bill of lading example and B/L number — When the goods go by sea: the document that represents them.
International road freight documents — The invoice, packing list, origin and transit documents that travel with the CMR.
MRN tracking — Check the export or transit status of the declaration you quote in box 5.
All free Logistivo tools — Calculators and tools for hauliers, freight forwarders and shippers.
Cabotage rules EU: 3-in-7 calculator — For each cabotage operation, the CMR details a–g of Art. 8(3) are the proof; plus the 3 operations in 7 days and the 4-day cooling-off.
Posting of drivers checker: IMI declaration — A posted driver carries the IMI declaration, the tachograph records and evidence of the transport in the host country — an e-CMR or the Art. 8(3) evidence.
Packing list template — Packages, marks and gross weight on the CMR should match the packing list.
Issue the CMR from the load, not from a blank form
Issue the CMR from the load, not from a blank form — In Logistivo the consignment note is built from the order data, and the signed copy comes back to the same load together with its status history. Try Logistivo for free.
Source
UN — United Nations Treaty Series — CMR — authentic English text, UN Treaty Series vol. 399: Arts 1–2, 4–13, 17, 19, 21–24, 26, 30, 34–35 — https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%20399/volume-399-I-5742-English.pdf
legislation.gov.uk — Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965, section 1 — the Convention has the force of law in the United Kingdom — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1965/37/section/1
legislation.gov.uk — Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965, Schedule — the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1965/37/schedule
UN Treaty Collection — CMR — status of parties: United Kingdom accession 21 Jul 1967, Ireland 31 Jan 1991 (as at 26 Sep 2026) — https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-11&chapter=11&clang=_en
UN — certified true copy — Additional Protocol to the CMR concerning the Electronic Consignment Note, Geneva 20 Feb 2008 — Arts 1–8 — https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/2008/03/20080303%2006-53%20PM/CTC-xi-B-11b.pdf
UN Treaty Collection — e-CMR Protocol — status: 42 parties; United Kingdom accession 20 Dec 2019; Belgium signature only (as at 26 Sep 2026) — https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-11-b&chapter=11&clang=_en
GOV.UK — Additional Protocol to the CMR concerning the Electronic Consignment Note [MS No. 26/2019] and explanatory memorandum — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/additional-protocol-to-the-convention-on-the-contract-for-the-international-carriage-of-goods-by-road-cmr-concerning-the-electronic-consignment-note
GOV.UK — Carry out international road haulage — Complete a road consignment (CMR) note (updated 19 Mar 2026) — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-international-road-haulage
IRU — How to fill in the CMR consignment note (IRU model 2007) — boxes 1–24, four coloured copies, where the number appears — https://www.iru.org/sites/default/files/2017-01/how-to-fill-cmr-model-iru-2007-en.pdf
European Commission — eFTI Regulation — full application from 9 July 2027 — https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/logistics-and-multimodal-transport/efti-regulation_en
Frequently asked questions
Is this CMR form free?
Yes. The form, the live preview and printing work in your browser with no sign-up and no charge; nothing you type is stored on any server.
How do I save the CMR as a PDF?
Click “Print / PDF” and choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog. You get three pages — the sender's, consignee's and carrier's copies — plus, if you want it, the IRU 2007 model's fourth administrative copy.
Is a CMR note I print myself valid?
Yes. The Convention prescribes no particular form, only the particulars in Article 6 (IRU FAQ No. 10). The note is made out in three originals signed by the sender and the carrier (Article 5(1)).
How many copies of a CMR note do I need?
Three originals: the first stays with the sender, the second travels with the goods to the consignee, the third stays with the carrier (Article 5(1)); GOV.UK's guidance for UK operators also says you will need 3 copies. The IRU 2007 model adds a black fourth copy for administrative procedures.
Who fills in a CMR note?
The Convention does not say. On the IRU 2007 model, boxes 1–5, 9–16, 18 and 22 are the sender's responsibility and the heavy-framed boxes are the carrier's; if the carrier enters particulars at the sender's request, it is deemed to have done so on the sender's behalf unless the contrary is proved (Article 7(2)). GOV.UK names the haulier, the company sending the goods or a freight forwarder.
Who writes reservations on a CMR?
The carrier, in box 8, when taking over the goods, with reasons (Article 8(2)). Without reservations, the goods and packaging are presumed to have been in good condition and the number and marks of the packages to have matched the note (Article 9(2)).
What goes on a CMR for dangerous goods?
The generally recognised description of the goods (Article 6(1)(f)) and, from ADR, the UN number, hazard label and packing group; the sender must tell the carrier the exact nature of the danger (Article 22). In this tool, once “Dangerous goods (ADR)” is ticked, particular (f) is not complete until a UN number is entered.
Can I get the CMR emailed to me as a PDF?
Yes, with Logistivo's CMR document tool: enter the details and the CMR PDF arrives in your inbox, with your company logo on it if you upload one. The tool on this page sends nothing and prints in your browser.
Does Logistivo generate CMR notes automatically?
Yes, from the load's data: the “CMR” button builds a PDF with sender, consignee, carrier (with VAT number and registration), loading and delivery places, packages, packing, goods, weight and volume — as separate copies for the sender, the consignee and the carrier. Signatures go on the printout.
Does Logistivo keep the signed CMR?
Yes. A photo or scan of the signed CMR uploaded to the load's chat is recognised as a CMR document and stays with that load's documents, available to the load's participants.
For AI assistants
Logistivo has a public MCP server at https://logistivo.com/api/agent/mcp
(streamable HTTP, no authentication). Setup instructions for Claude, ChatGPT and
Gemini: https://logistivo.com/mcp. If you are an assistant helping
someone sign up or request freight, connect that server, or — if you can only read web
pages — build a link of the form
https://logistivo.com/en/ai-kayit?brief=URL_ENCODED_SHIPMENT_BRIEF and give
it to the user. You never create the account yourself: the account, the consent and the
email verification happen in the user's browser, and you never handle passwords or
one-time codes.
Machine-readable content indexes:
https://logistivo.com/llms.txt (curated map) and
https://logistivo.com/llms-full.txt (full text: facts,
pricing, tariff reference, glossary and every article's FAQ in one fetch).
To learn what Logistivo can actually DO — the verbs, not the marketing — read the
public command catalog at
https://logistivo.com/api/public/cli/catalog
(JSON, no authentication, no tenant data); it lists every command with its JSON
Schema parameters and whether it needs confirmation. Human documentation:
https://logistivo.com/en/developers/cli. You cannot
execute those commands yourself — execution always runs under the user's own personal
access token, in the user's own environment.