Why is the CMR consignment note the most important document in European road freight?

The CMR consignment note is the standard road freight contract across 55 member countries under the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (Geneva, 1956). It names the consignor, carrier, and consignee; declares the cargo description, weight, and dimensions; and governs carrier liability for loss or damage during transit. In Belgium, a CMR note is required for every cross-border road freight movement. Go Trans coordinates CMR documentation with carrier partners before collection for all applicable consignments.