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Filling out a CMR correctly is essential for international road transport. A CMR is a standardised consignment note that evidences the contract of carriage between the sender and the carrier, and accompanies the goods throughout the journey.
When filling out a CMR, several key details must be completed accurately. These include the sender and consignee details, carrier information, loading and unloading locations, a description of the cargo, shipment or trip numbers and the transport instructions.
Depending on the type of transport, additional information such as temperatures, vehicle details, ADR classifications or GMP+ indications may also need to be included.
There are two main types of CMR documents: pre-printed and blank. Knowing the difference between these two is important, as it determines which information is already included on the document and which details still need to be completed manually.
A Van den Bosch pre-printed CMR already contains the relevant company details and carrier code. The pre-printed CMR reduces manual input and helps ensure consistency across transport documents.
If a blank CMR is used, the carrier name and address, and any required internal carrier code, must be added manually.Extra attention is required to ensure all relevant fields are correctly completed before departure.
The exact layout of a CMR may differ, but the most important fields remain the same. Below are the key details that need to be completed.
Fill in the full name and address of the sender. This is the party handing over the goods for transport.
Example:
ABC Ingredients B.V.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Fill in the full name and address of the consignee. This is the party receiving the goods at the unloading location.
Example:
Food Production Ltd.
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Enter the place, country and date of loading, as well as the unloading address and destination country.
For international transport, these details must be clear and accurate, as they confirm where the goods are taken over and where they must be delivered.
Example:
Loading: Rotterdam, The Netherlands — 12 March 2026
Unloading: Birmingham, United Kingdom — 14 March 2026
Fill in the carrier details. For transport conducted by Van den Bosch, Van den Bosch is entered as the carrier, even when the transport is carried out by an internal or external charter.
If a blank CMR is used, the carrier code and carrier name must be added manually.
Example:
Carrier code: 4433
Carrier: Van den Bosch
The field for successive carrier remains empty, unless specific successive transport conditions apply.
Describe the cargo clearly and completely. This includes the product name, quantity, weight, packaging and, where relevant, volume.
For bulk transport, enter the required weight or quantity information, such as gross weight, net weight where applicable, and any required product, trailer or container details.
Example:
Product: Liquid food ingredient
Packaging: Tank container
Net weight: 24,000 kg
Container number: VDBU1234567
Add any required internal references, such as the shipment number, trip number or order number. These references help link the CMR to the correct transport order, planning record or customer instruction.
If the CMR is prepared by the loading address and does not include pre-printed reference fields, these numbers must be added manually.
Example:
Shipment number: 2026-001245
Trip number: VDB-45892
Order number: ORD-78910
For liquid products, temperature information may need to be added. This can include the product temperature during loading and the product temperature before unloading.
A visual inspection before loading should also be recorded where required.
Example:
Loading temperature: 18°C
Unloading temperature: 19°C
Visual inspection: OK
If the inspection is not OK, this should be reported clearly and honestly before loading.
Enter the relevant vehicle and equipment information, such as truck number, trailer number, licence plate, fleet number and container number.
Example:
Truck: VDB 123
Trailer: VDB 456
Container: VDBU1234567
Where required by the customer or company procedure, record the arrival and departure times at both the loading and unloading addresses. This supports operational control and provides a clear timeline of the transport process.
Example:
Arrival loading: 08:15
Departure loading: 09:30
Arrival unloading: 14:00
Departure unloading: 15:10
Mark the correct transport type when required. This may include foodstuff transport, feedstuff transport or ADR transport.
For ADR transport, the correct class and UN number must be included. For GMP+ / FSA assured transport, the required statement must be added to the CMR.
Example:
Foodstuff transport: marked
ADR transport: UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group added where applicable.
GMP+ / FSA assured: “Transport GMP+ / FSA assured”
For international road transport, the CMR conditions apply. If national conditions such as AVC-2002 are pre-printed on the document, follow the applicable company procedure, which may require them to be crossed through to avoid confusion.
The CMR must be signed by the sender and the carrier at loading. Before signing, the carrier should check the apparent condition of the goods and packaging, and record any visible damage, packaging issues, quantity discrepancies or inability to check the goods as a reservation on the CMR.
At delivery, the consignee signs the CMR to confirm receipt of the goods. For Van den Bosch transports, the driver signs on behalf of the carrier.
Example:
Signed by sender at loading
Signed by driver/carrier, with reservations if required
Signed by consignee at unloading
Below is a simplified example of how key CMR details may be completed.
Sender: ABC Ingredients B.V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Consignee: Food Production Ltd., Birmingham, United Kingdom
Carrier code: 4433
Carrier: Van den Bosch
Successive carrier: Empty
Loading location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Unloading location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Cargo: Liquid food ingredient
Net weight: 24,000 kg
Container number: VDBU1234567
Loading temperature: 18°C
Visual inspection: OK
Transport type: Foodstuff transport
Instructions: Cleaned tank required. Delivery between 08:00 and 12:00.
Signatures: Sender, driver/carrier and consignee
For more detailed guidance on completing transport documents, Van den Bosch has developed the document Proper use and completion of a CMR, which outlines the required fields, responsibilities and best practices for accurate CMR administration.
If you would like to understand the purpose of a CMR before completing one, read our guide on what a CMR is. It explains the role of the CMR consignment note in international road transport, the parties involved and why it is an important document for carriers, consignors and consignees.
