CMR Disputes

• CMR are the rules agreed in a treaty by the member states (broadly EC members) governing the terms of international carriage of goods by road contracts.
• Irrespective of your own terms and conditions of carriage, if you are carrying goods by road from or to any member state your contract of carriage will be governed by CMR.
• You cannot contract out of or otherwise avoid the application of these rules.
• They deal with all aspects of the contract - collection, carriage, delivery, delay, damage etc.
  
• Over the years the Courts have interpreted these rules in various ways and a considerable amount of case law has become applicable. This adds to their complexity and governs their application.
  
• These rules differ significantly from what may be viewed as the usual domestic terms and conditions governing a contract of carriage. E.g. there is a shorter and stricter time limit for bringing an action.
  
• We can assist in the resolution of these disputes, but it is important to seek our advice at the earliest opportunity.