Transport documents
Each mode of transport has its own transport document that confirms the transport contract and is needed for customs. Let us break down the main ones: CMR, bill of lading, air waybill, rail waybills and the TIR carnet.
Why transport documents are needed
A transport document confirms the acceptance of cargo for transport, its route and terms. Customs clearance, calculation of customs value and claims in case of damage are based on it. Errors in the document hold up the cargo at the border.
CMR — road transport
CMR is the international consignment note for road transport under the CMR Convention. It states the sender, recipient, carrier, goods, weight and route. CMR is not a document of title but is mandatory for international road transport.
Bill of lading — sea
The bill of lading is the main document of sea transport. It is at the same time the transport contract, a receipt for the cargo and a document of title — whoever holds the original controls the cargo. More details — bill of lading.
Air waybill (AWB) — air
An air waybill is issued for air transport. Unlike the bill of lading it is not a document of title: the cargo is released to the named recipient, not against presentation of the original. The AWB is issued under IATA standards.
CIM and SMGS — rail
On the railway two systems of waybills operate: CIM — on the European gauge (COTIF convention) and SMGS — in the 1520 gauge area. At the junction of the systems a single CIM/SMGS waybill is used to avoid re-issuing the cargo at the border.
TIR carnet — transit
The TIR carnet simplifies customs transit: the cargo travels through several countries without re-issuing and without a deposit at each customs, because an international guarantee applies. Transit under TIR or T1/NCTS is handled by road cargo customs clearance.
Overview of documents
| Document | Transport |
|---|---|
| CMR | Road |
| Bill of lading (B/L) | Sea |
| Air waybill (AWB) | Air |
| CIM / SMGS | Rail |
| TIR carnet | Customs transit |
Documents of title and non-negotiable documents
The main difference is negotiability. The original bill of lading can be transferred and sold together with the right to the cargo, while CMR and the air waybill cannot. This matters for settlements and letters of credit.
Documents and customs
The transport document goes to customs together with the invoice and contract and must match them in description, weight and packages. Consistency of the set matters — we handle these questions together with transport logistics.
Frequently asked questions
Help with documents
Trans-Hope draws up transport documents for the mode of transport and ensures they match the invoice and contract. Send the route and mode of transport — we will tell you which document is needed.
