Introduction of e-CMR

Rules for transporting goods internationally are covered by the United Nations Convention for the carriage of goods, known as the CMR (Convention relative au contrat de transport international de Marchandises par Route). Following a successful pilot scheme, the UK government has ratified the e-CMR treaty. The new e-CMR will be introduced on 31 March 2020. This will provide an electronic option to the current paper CMR note.

Whether you are responsible for the complete journey or just a part of the overall journey you will be able to filter the information on the e-CMR to highlight the relevant part of the journey you are responsible for. The new e-CMR will also allow real-time access to CMR data, for example details of signatures and locations. It is expected that the use of e-CMRs will reduce the administration costs associated with the current paper based CMR notes.

Some of the key benefits to e-CMR include:

Lower costs

• Handling costs can be up to three to four times less expensive

• Faster administration with reduced data entry, no paper handling, no fax/scan/letter exchanges, no paper archiving, etc.

• Faster invoicing

• Reduction of delivery and reception discrepancies

Greater transparency

• Data accuracy

• Control and monitoring of the shipment

• Real-time access to the information & proof of pick-up and delivery

• Ability to obtain details of e-CMRs you have either created or which you are part of.

• Get an overview of all e-CMRs you are involved in

• Download an e-CMR as a digitally signed PDF

It should be noted that the use of paper based CMR will continue alongside the new e-CMR.