The CMR Convention governs the carriage of goods by road. Every
road journey that starts, or finishes
in the UK, apart from a few exceptions,
will be subject to the CMR. Usually,
contracts are confirmed by the issue of a CMR consignment note,
which must show the name and address
of the consignee, consignor and carrier;
a description of the goods; weight and number of packages,
etc. It is important to note that, under
the CMR, the exporter is legally responsible
for the accuracy of the information in
the CMR note. Therefore, the exporter
should always make out, or supervise
the making out of the note.
The carrier is liable for loss, damage,
or delay to the goods between the time
he takes charge of them and the time they are delivered. Generally,
the carrier is also liable
for the acts of his servants, agents
and sub-contractors. However, there are a number of excepted perils,
such as neglect, or wrong
instructions of the claimant, inherent
vice of the goods, etc.
Compensation is calculated in relation
to the value of the goods at the time and place at which they were
accepted for carriage. Most European countries limit compensation
to a specified amount of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kg of
gross weight of the lost, or damaged goods.
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