Archives



Freight News, IT, Logistics, Road


UK pilots electronic CMR

[ April 26, 2019   //   ]

The UK has taken part in an electronic consignment note (e-CMR) pilot, along with France, the Netherlands and operators Brian Yeardley Continental, Transports FIOLET in France and Netherlands-based International Road Ferry. The project is under the supervision of the UK Department for Transport, Freight Transport Association and other equivalent bodies.

It is the first use of e-CMR on a border crossing with multiple countries on mainland Europe and aims to offer improved profitability, efficiency and supply chain visibility.

Manager of international transport and trade procedures at FTA, John Lucy, said: “Digital technology has reshaped the way industries and governments operate for the last 20 years and international trade is no exception. The anticipated increase in EU customs documentation requirements post-Brexit will accelerate this digital development; we are already seeing EU trials of e TIR and e ATA carnets to enable future frictionless cross border travel for freight. Underpinning this development will be the requirement for an electronic, internationally accepted consignment note; the e CMR will be at the core of this process.”

The paper based CMR consignment note is an official document and contract between a consignor, carrier and addressee and is normally the sole document that drivers carry that concerns the load.

Shippers or transport operators will be able to electronically input, store and exchange logistics data, in real time, within the logistical chain, while that users instantly receive information on the goods being transported, so any required subsequent actions, such as initiating legal processes, invoicing or even accident response procedures happen faster and at less cost.

The next step is for the UK to evaluate the Convention and once decided, ratify the e-CMR protocol with the United Nations, a process that could be in effect by the end of 2019.

 

Tags: , ,