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The eCMR is becoming the new standard to replace the traditional paper consignment note. Fully digital, it includes the same information as the paper document but makes it easier to transmit, update, and use. Combined with onboard telematics solutions, it enables drivers and dispatchers to share transport information in real time, without re-entering data or handling physical documents.
This article explains how it works, its legal framework, and the concrete benefits it brings to transport companies and their teams.
Definition of eCMR
The eCMR (for the international version) or electronic consignment note (for the national version) is an electronic consignment note. It contains the same information as the "paper" consignment note, but the eCMR is totally dematerialized (which brings many benefits, as we'll explain later in this article).
For those wondering about its legality, rest assured: it's a totally legal document. The eCMR is in fact authorized:
- at national level, by the decree of November 9, 1999 on the transport or rental documents to be carried on board road haulage vehicles.
- internationally, by the additional protocol to the CMR convention concerning the electronic consignment note, added in 2008 and ratified by France in 2016 (for countries that have ratified this protocol).
The many benefits of eCMR for road hauliers
- Automatic transfer of information from the TMS to the consignment note: with eCMR, there's no need to fill in all the fields, since data is entered almost automatically via your TMS / ERP.
- Automatic invoicing of the customer upon delivery thanks to electronic signature: once the eCMR has been signed, you receive an alert and a copy of the document, enabling you to start invoicing immediately.
- Real-time traceability of goods to simplify liability and insurance issues in the event of a dispute: time-stamping and electronic signature ensure true traceability, with real-time tracking at every stage of the transport chain.
- Enhanced document security: the integrity of the eCMR is guaranteed by the use of electronic signature and time-stamping to prevent document falsification, and by electronic archiving to prevent loss.
- Reduce ink and paper costs: dematerializing your consignment note avoids printing costs, and therefore saves you money in the long term. It's also a way of limiting waste and thus offering "greener" transport services.
Keeping up with the competition
The TRM sector is going digital: don't let your competitors take customers away from you by offering simpler, paperless solutions for communicating and tracking transported goods.
The use of eCMR has become essential to remain competitive in many markets, so don't hesitate to equip yourself to take advantage of it as soon as possible!
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