Transport documents
When you transport goods abroad, you need a transport document. It records your agreements with the transporter. You will also need the transport documents if the police or customs check your goods. Each mode of transport has its own transport document.
Why do you need a transport document?
The transport document proves who delivered what goods and when, and in what quantity. Always complete the transport document in full. If you are having the document completed by someone else, please check that all the details have been filled in. This ensures that the goods arrive safely and quickly at the correct destination. If the goods are lost or damaged during transport, the transport document also serves as evidence. For example, to determine who is liable for the damage.
Transport by road: the CMR
The Convention Relative au Contrat de Transport International de Marchandises par Route (CMR) is an international treaty between various countries for transport by road. Among other things, this agreement governs the carrier’s liability for damage to the cargo. You use a CMR consignment note for domestic and international road transport within Europe and in some countries outside Europe. It is shown at Customs and police checks. The sender, carrier, and receiver jointly complete the consignment note.
The Stichting Vervoeradres website provides additional information about the CMR (in Dutch) and the participating countries.
Transport by rail: the CIM or ISV
Do you transport goods abroad by train? Then you’ll need a Convention Internationale concernant le Transport des Marchandises par Chemin de Fer (CIM) or Internationale Spoor Vrachtbrief (ISV). The document is provided by the transporter and has to be completed both by you and the railway company with which you make the transport arrangement. Read more about the CIM (in Dutch) on the website of Ducth Customs.
Transport by air: the AWB
The Air Waybill (AWB) is an air freight note containing information on the goods, their place of origin, and their destination. The AWB is proof of your transport agreement and must be signed by the sender as well as the transporter. The AWB is a complicated document. There are several expediting companies who can help you fill it out if you lack experience.
Transport by water: the B/L
For sea transport, you will need a Bill of Lading (B/L). The B/L is also known as a shipping document. The carrier issues the B/L. It is a negotiable transport document. This means that you or your customer can trade the goods by selling the B/L. Whoever owns the B/L, owns the goods.
Help with transport documents
Do you need help completing a transport document? You can hire a forwarder. If you are a member of the entrepreneur's organisation evofenedex (in Dutch), they will help you to choose and complete transport documents.