What is an eCMR?

An eCMR is a digital consignment note that contains all the essential information about a shipment. Think of it as an electronic slip that can be viewed on a computer or phone instead of paper.

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Why is the eCMR important?

Starting November 4, 2024, the eCMR can be used in Austria. It holds the same legal status as a paper consignment note, but in digital form. This is practical because it cannot be lost and can be easily stored and sent.
Diagram: eCMR Process
[Company/Loading Site] --> (eCMR digitally created) --> [Truck Driver]
|
|-----> [Paper CMR if needed]
|
[En Route] --> (Inspection by authorities: show eCMR)
|
[Unloading Site/Recipient] --> (digitally sign eCMR)

How does the eCMR work in transport?

Step-by-Step Process with eCMR:
1. Start of the Journey:
- The driver receives the eCMR from the company shipping the goods. It acts as a digital list containing all shipment details.
- The eCMR specifies who is sending the goods, where they are going, and what exactly is in the truck.

2. During the Journey:
- The eCMR is stored on the driver’s phone or tablet. If the police or an authority needs to check the cargo, the driver can show the eCMR.
- This is convenient as the driver cannot lose paper slips and all information is securely stored.

3. Arrival at the Unloading Site:
- The driver hands over the goods to the recipient. The recipient checks the eCMR to ensure everything is correct.
- The recipient then signs the eCMR digitally to confirm receipt of the goods.

How does the signature work at loading and unloading sites?

- At the Loading Site (Start): The driver or an employee of the company signs digitally to confirm the correct loading of the goods. This is done on a phone or tablet.
- At the Unloading Site (Destination): The recipient checks the delivery and signs digitally to confirm receipt.
- The digital signature shows that someone has verified the delivery and found it correct. It is secure and automatically records who signed and when.

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Diagram: Digital Signature and Verification
[Digital Signature] --> [Loading Confirmation] --> [Transport Security]
[Recipient’s Digital Signature] --> [Delivery Confirmation]

What happens if a digital signature is not possible?

Sometimes, loading or unloading sites do not have the equipment for digital signatures. In this case, the eCMR and paper CMR can be combined:
- The driver uses the paper CMR if a digital signature is not possible.
- The paper CMR is signed by hand and serves as additional proof.
- The eCMR remains stored on the phone or tablet and can still be used at other points where digital signatures are available.

Why combine eCMR and paper CMR?
- This ensures complete documentation, even if a digital signature is not possible.
- Both contain the same shipment information and can complement each other.

Conclusion

The eCMR is a modern and practical solution for transporting goods. It streamlines processes and ensures that all documents are secure and accessible. If digital signatures are not possible, the paper CMR can be used as a backup to maintain proper documentation.

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Key Advantages of the eCMR:
- No paper slips to lose.
- Easy to store and send.
- More secure and simpler because changes can be tracked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMR?
The CMR is an international agreement governing the transport of goods by road. It specifies what information a consignment note must include and the rules for road transport. The eCMR is the digital version of this consignment note.

List of countries using the eCMR:
Currently, 39 countries have ratified the Additional Protocol and use the eCMR. These include Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, and many other European and some Asian countries.