Comment calculer le montant de l'indemnisation en cas de perte ou d'avarie ?

The amount of compensation is calculated by multiplying the missing gross weight by the value of the SDR (Special Drawing Right) on the day of the loss. This compensation is, of course, capped at the actual value of the goods (an invoice is usually required to prove this, except at Claisy).

Que faire en cas de litige avec le transporteur (Colissimo, UPS, GLS, etc.) ?

It's crucial not to be left alone. Immediately contact your insurer and/or a legal expert specializing in transport law, who will be able to advise you and support you in all the steps you need to take.

CMR agreement: parcel compensation and transport insurance

Q: La Convention CMR s'applique-t-elle à tous les types de transport ?

No, the CMR Convention applies only to the international carriage of goods by road for hire or reward.

Whether you're an e-commerce giant like Amazon or Cdiscount, a renowned carrier such as DHL, a 3PL/4PL using several carriers, or an independent retailer using Colissimo services: the question of goods transportation is at the heart of your business and ultimately reflects your customer experience. And with transport comes risk: accidents, loss, damage... All of which can impact your sales, your customer service and your brand image.

This is where the CMR Convention comes in, an essential legal framework for international road transport, and therefore for courier services. This comprehensive guide explains the ins and outs of the CMR during transport, including the rules governing compensation and the responsibilities of the various parties involved. Finally, you'll also find out how to protect yourself effectively, thanks in particular to appropriate transport insurance.

What is the CMR Convention?

The CMR Convention, signed in Geneva on May 19, 1956, lays down clear rules for the carriage of goods by road between different countries. It automatically applies to transport between countries that have signed up to it(you can find the list here), guaranteeing uniform legal protection for all parties involved: consignors, carriers and consignees.

CMR compensation: a ceiling to be aware of

The CMR sets a ceiling for compensation in the event of loss or damage to goods. This ceiling is 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram of missing gross weight.

Nota Bene: This amount is a ceiling, not a guarantee of full reimbursement. Actual compensation may be lower if the value of the goods is less than this amount.

Responsibilities of each stakeholder

Shipper: The shipper is responsible for the correct packaging and labelling of the goods, and for providing the necessary transport documents.
Carrier: The carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, Colissimo, Chronopost, GLS, Royal Mail...) is responsible for the collection, transport and delivery of the goods on time and in good condition.
Consignee: The consignee is responsible for receiving the goods and checking their condition on delivery.

In the event of a dispute, it is essential to be able to prove who is responsible for what.

Concrete examples of compensation situations

Lost package: If a package is lost in transit, the carrier must compensate the shipper for the value of the goods, up to the CMR ceiling, i.e. 8.33 SDR x weight of goods transported.
Damaged parcel: If a parcel arrives damaged, the recipient may refuse delivery or claim compensation from the sender for the loss in value of the goods. This compensation is always limited to the CMR ceiling. And as seen in the article on transfer of ownership on our blog, the shipper may require clear and explicit reservations on the delivery note.
Late delivery: In the event of late delivery, it will be necessary to prove that the contract has not been respected and that the delay has caused real prejudice to the sender or recipient.

To go a little further, depending on the carrier:

UPS: basic liability up to EUR 85 per shipment or, if higher, SDR 8.33 per kilogram of goods
CHRONOPOST: Basic liability up to 250 EUR per shipment (excluding Chrono 18, Chrono Classic, as well as parcels containing cell phone articles and/or accessories, where basic liability is set at 23 € per kilogram up to a maximum of 690 € per parcel).
DPD: basic liability up to 520.00 EUR
FedEx: basic liability up to 100.00 USD
DHL: no fixed basic liability, liability is in accordance with national and international law (e.g. Montreal Convention, CMR Convention...).
TNT: basic liability up to EUR 3.40 per kilogram

Supplementary insurance: essential protection

Whether you're a private individual sending a parcel via Royal Mail, or a company using FedEx services for urgent shipments, additional insurance is often recommended to protect you effectively. Be careful, however, that your parcel does not attract attention, and that the insurance is not prominently displayed on your parcel: with Claisy, your insurance is invisible during transit.

Even if the value of your goods is less than 8.33DTS per kilogram, we strongly recommend that you take out additional insurance. This will enable you to benefit from more extensive coverage and, above all, simplified claims management. Before taking out insurance, it is advisable to read the conditions of cover and assumption of liability carefully, as many goods may be excluded from cover.

Benefits of supplementary insurance

Higher coverage: You can insure your goods at their actual value, without necessarily taking into account the SDR or weight of your shipment. This allows you to be fully compensated in the event of loss or other damage.
Coverage of ancillary costs: Supplementary insurance can also cover transport, storage, customs, etc...
Simplified claims management:Specialized insurers can help you take the necessary steps to obtain rapid compensation.

❓ FAQ : CMR Agreement and Transport Insurance

📜 What is the CMR Convention, Synthesis ?

This is an international legal agreement that establishes uniform rules for the carriage of goods by road. In particular, it defines the shipper's and carrier's responsibilities, as well as compensation ceilings in the event of loss or damage.

⚖️ Is the CMR compensation of 8.33 SDR/kg automatic and total?

No, this is a crucial point. We're talking about a maximum ceiling based on weight, not a guaranteed reimbursement of value. For something light and expensive (like a smartphone), this compensation will be very low. What's more, you have to prove the carrier's liability to obtain it.

🛡️ If CMR exists, why take out additional insurance?

There are three main reasons for this: 1. to cover the actual value of your merchandise, not its weight. 2. to simplify and drastically speed up the reimbursement process. 3. To cover goods that are often excluded or poorly indemnified. An insurance company like Claisy compensates you within 48 hours on the basis of declared value.

🚚 Why do different carriers (UPS, Chronopost...) have different limits?

The CMR sets the framework for international road transport. However, for specific services (express, domestic) or according to their own general terms and conditions of sale, carriers may apply their own liability ceilings (e.g. €85 with UPS, €250 with Chronopost), which are often very low.

✍️ What should I do if my parcel arrives damaged?

The first thing to do is to make precise, clear and written "reservations" on the carrier's delivery note, before signing. Take photos of the damage. Without these reservations, it becomes extremely difficult to prove that the damage occurred during transport.

Claisy: your partner for worry-free risk management

Claisy is an online insurance company with numerous technological solutions (connectors with Shopify, PrestaShop, WMS, etc.) for professionals who ship goods. Whether you're a carrier (DHL, FedEx, GLS...), a logistician or an online retailer, Claisy offers the right cover for you. Claisy helps transport and logistics professionals deal with their problems: we support our partners from start to finish, and you'll receive your compensation within 48 hours.

Conclusion

The CMR Convention has been helping to organize the international transport of goods by road since the mid-50s, and by^{January 1,}2025 will have brought together 58 countries. It defines and protects the interests of all parties involved in the transport of goods by road. Knowing the rules of compensation, the responsibilities of each party and the importance of supplementary insurance is essential for managing transport risks.

Don't hesitate to contact Claisy to find out more about our insurance solutions and benefit from personalized support.

Questions about the CMR Convention

🚚 Does the CMR Convention apply to all transport?+

No, the CMR Convention applies only to the international carriage of goods by road for hire or reward.

💰 How to calculate compensation for loss or damage?+

Compensation is calculated by multiplying the missing gross weight by the value of the SDR (Special Drawing Right) on the day of the loss. This amount is capped at the actual value of the goods (proven by an invoice, except at Claisy).

🆘 What to do in the event of a dispute with a carrier?+

It's crucial not to be alone. Contact your insurer or a legal expert specializing in transport law immediately, for advice and support.

Find out more about ad valorem carrier insurance :

CMR agreement and compensation for parcels: how to protect your transport?