Printing CMR overview for international transport

Introduction: What is a CMR overview?

CMR stands for "Convention relative au contrat de transport international de Marchandises par Route". That's a complex French name for an international transport document. Simply put: it's a form that drivers must carry when they transport goods abroad. It's a kind of proof of what is being transported.

Why use a CMR overview?

You need to create a CMR overview because:

• It is legally required for cross-border transport (when driving abroad)
• Customs may request this document at the border
• It proves what is being transported and for whom
• Drivers without CMR will have problems at customs
• It protects both you and the customer in case of damage or loss
• Insurance companies need this document for claims

Note: This is only needed for transport abroad, not within the Netherlands!

How do you print a CMR overview?

Step 1: Go to the right customer

Go to logistics distribution

1. Go to the "Logistics distribution" tile
2. Click on "(General) Per debtor"
3. You now see a list of customers with orders

Select the customer

1. Find the customer the driver needs to go to
2. This must be a customer abroad (for example in Germany, Belgium or France)
3. Click on this customer

Step 2: Create a CMR overview

Go to the CMR menu

1. Click on "(Overview) CMR"
2. You now see options for sending or printing the CMR overview

Step 3: Send or print

You now have four options to share the CMR overview:

Option 1: E-mail to contact person

• The overview is e-mailed to the customer's contact person
• Useful if the customer also wants to have the document
• The customer can already view it before the driver arrives

Option 2: E-mail to driver

• The overview is e-mailed to one of your drivers
• Choose the driver from the list
• The driver can view the document on their phone or tablet

Option 3: E-mail to manual address

• You can manually enter an e-mail address
• Useful if you want to send it to someone else
• For example to a freight forwarder or transport company

Option 4: Print

• You get a list of available printers
• These are the printers configured in your Easyflor environment
• Choose a printer and the document is printed
• Give the printed document to the driver

Step 4: Done!

The CMR overview is now sent or printed. The driver can take this document on the trip and show it to customs if needed.

Practical examples

Example 1: Transport to Germany

• Situation: A driver needs to deliver flowers to a customer in Berlin
• Action:
  1. Go to Logistics distribution → Per debtor
  2. Select the customer in Berlin
  3. Click on CMR and print the document
• Result: The driver has the CMR form for German customs

Example 2: Transport to Belgium

• Situation: Multiple deliveries in Belgium, driver needs the document digitally
• Action:
  1. For each Belgian customer, open the CMR overview
  2. E-mail it to the driver
• Result: Driver has all CMR documents on their tablet

Example 3: Transport to France

• Situation: Customer in Paris wants to see the document in advance
• Action:
  1. Select the French customer
  2. E-mail CMR to contact person
  3. Also print a copy for the driver
• Result: Both customer and driver have the document

Example 4: Domestic transport

• Situation: Delivery in Amsterdam
• Action: No CMR needed! This is only for international transport
• Result: A regular packing slip is sufficient

Important tips

Tip 1: Always print for international trips

• Even if you e-mail it, always print a paper copy
• Phones can run out of battery or break on the way
• Paper is safest at customs checks

Tip 2: Check the details

• Check that all customer details are correct
• Check the address (it must be abroad)
• See whether products and quantities are correct

Tip 3: Print before departure

• Make the CMR overview before the driver leaves
• Don't think about it just before the border!
• This prevents delays and stress

Tip 4: Save copies

• Save digital copies of all CMR documents
• This is useful for questions or claims later
• Save them for example by month in a folder

Tip 5: Train your drivers

• Explain to drivers what a CMR is
• Make sure they know where to keep it in the truck
• Teach them what to do if customs asks for it

What's on a CMR document?

General information:

• Name and address of the sender (your company)
• Name and address of the recipient (the customer)
• Place of loading and place of unloading

Details about the load:

• Number of packages (boxes, crates, pallets)
• Description of the goods
• Weight and/or volume
• Dangerous substances (if applicable)

Transport information:

• Date of transport
• Licence plate of the truck
• Name of the driver
• Any special instructions

Frequently asked questions

Question: Do I have to do this within the Netherlands too?

• No, CMR is only required for international transport
• A regular packing slip is sufficient within the Netherlands
• As soon as you cross the border, you need CMR

Question: What if the driver forgets the document?

• This can cause problems at customs
• The driver may be stopped or fined
• In the worst case, the cargo may not be allowed through
• Therefore always check before departure!

Question: How many copies should I print?

• Usually 3 copies:
  • 1 for the driver/transporter
  • 1 for the customer
  • 1 for your administration
• Some countries require more copies, check this in advance

Question: Does this also apply to the United Kingdom?

• Yes! Since Brexit, the UK is no longer an EU country
• You need CMR for transport to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• You also need IPAFFs (see other guide)

Question: How long should I keep CMR documents?

• At least 1 year, but 7 years is safer
• You may need them for claims or tax checks
• Save them digitally to save space

What to do with problems?

Problem: CMR doesn't print

• Check whether the printer is on and has paper
• Try a different printer from the list
• If e-mail option: send it by e-mail and print later

Problem: Customer details are not correct

• Go back to the customer card and check the details
• Adjust the address or contact details
• Then create a new CMR overview

Problem: Driver has already left

• E-mail the CMR document directly to the driver
• Call the driver and tell them they have received it
• Ask them to print it at a petrol station or on location

Summary

Printing CMR overview for international transport works as follows:

• Go to Logistics distribution → (General) Per debtor and select the foreign customer
• Click on (Overview) CMR to create the document
• Choose how to send it: e-mail to contact person, e-mail to driver, manual e-mail address or print
• Why: CMR is legally required for all cross-border transport, without this document you'll have problems at customs
• Note: Only needed for abroad, not for transport within the Netherlands