e-CMR: the electronic waybill for international road transport

The shift from paper consignment notes to the electronic waybill, the e-CMR, is a strategic choice for all companies involved in logistics and international road transport.

In addition to ensuring efficiency, sustainability and security, the electronic CMR simplifies operational flows and helps businesses to meet the future challenges of the Supply Chain with modern, technologically advanced tools.

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What is the electronic waybill (e-CMR)

The traditional waybill, established by the 1956 CMR Convention, is a mandatory document that accompanies all international road shipments. Its digital evolution, known as the e-CMR (short for electronic CMR), was introduced in 2008 and became operational in 2011. The electronic CMR eliminates paper documentation, automates transport processes and simplifies logistics management in an increasingly competitive international landscape.

Today, thanks to the electronic waybill, all shipping information is digital, accessible in real time, traceable, secure, and available to every party involved: shippers, carriers, recipients, customs authorities and end customers.

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The evolution of the e-CMR: from the 1956 CMR Convention to the digitalisation of freight transport in Italy

The digital transition in the transport sector has followed a long path. Several years passed before the full adoption of the e-CMR, the electronic waybill, in Italy:

• 19 May 1956: the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road is signed in Geneva, establishing the validity of the paper-based CMR to regulate road shipments between various European countries.
• 2008: the Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention is introduced, allowing for the use of the e-CMR, the digital version of the international waybill.
• 5 June 2011: the Additional Protocol officially enters into force, enabling the use of the e-CMR in international freight transport and marking a key step towards the digitalisation of road transport.
• 2022–2023: the pilot project e-CMR Italy is launched, promoted by Unioncamere and Uniontrasporti. This experimental programme tests the effectiveness of the e-CMR in real-world scenarios, highlighting its benefits in terms of administrative simplification, cost reduction and increased efficiency.
• March 2023: Uniontrasporti publishes the report “Towards the implementation of the e-CMR system in Italy”, which presents concrete data on the benefits of moving from paper to electronic documentation.
• 4 March 2024: Italy officially approves its accession to the CMR Additional Protocol, recognising the legal validity of the e-CMR. A major regulatory milestone for the digital future of road transport.
• 8 March 2024: Law No. 37 formalises Italy’s accession to the Protocol, marking its entry into the international system for the digital tracking and management of shipments.

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How the electronic CMR works

Adopting the e-CMR means completely redefining the document flow, making it simpler, faster and more secure. The e-CMR process is structured in five main phases:

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1. Creating the e-CMR

The document is generated through a digital platform integrated into the company’s Transport Management System (TMS). In most cases, this automation is made possible via API integration. This setup allows for a seamless exchange of information, with data that is always synchronised and up to date.

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2. Sending to the driver and assignment of the job

The electronic waybill is linked to a unique identifier and sent to the driver's device, along with the transport order. This gives the driver immediate access to the digital document on his device, without the need for paper or additional tools.

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3. Driver operations

During transport, the driver can:

• View the e-CMR in real time
• Update the delivery status
• Apply his digital signature
• Add operational notes or report any issues
• Attach images related to the shipment

This system enhances accuracy and reduces errors by digitising operational tasks.

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4. Secure signature collection and blockchain notarisation

Signatures from the sender, carrier and recipient are collected digitally via mobile devices. The system ensures authenticity through:

• Two-factor authentication
• Geolocation
• Blockchain notarisation

These features guarantee regulatory compliance and the legal validity of the electronic CMR.

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5. Real-time sharing and archiving

Once the transport is completed, the e-CMR is available online and accessible to all parties involved in the Supply Chain. This enables:

• Real-time shipment tracking
• Secure, permanent digital archiving
• Immediate access to the electronic waybill by customers, freight forwarders, carriers and regulatory authorities

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The benefits of adopting the e-CMR

What are the real advantages of implementing the electronic CMR for your road transport business?

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Operational efficiency

Implementing an integrated e-CMR management system ensures:

• Remote monitoring of documents
• Real-time updates on delivery status
• Reduced handling time and administrative workload

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Cost reduction

Using the electronic consignment note positively impacts a company’s finances by:

• Cutting printing, archiving and paper distribution costs
• Streamlining invoicing times
• Saving up to 59% on operational costs compared to the paper-based model

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Data security

The electronic CMR allows companies to operate with maximum cybersecurity, as it is based on:

• Secure, certified digital signatures
• Use of blockchain to guarantee data integrity
• Compliance with European traceability regulations

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Environmental sustainability

With the electronic consignment note, companies support the development of Green Logistics through:

• Elimination of paper usage
• Reduction of waste and emissions linked to document production
• A tangible contribution to sustainable logistics

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Accessibility and scalability

An integrated e-CMR management system simplifies operational flows and enhances collaboration among Supply Chain players:

• API-based integration with TMS systems
• Multilingual compatibility for international transport
• Legally recognised use in over 30 European countries

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Towards paperless logistics: Leviahub develops its own e-CMR platform

The Leviahub Team has developed a proprietary e-CMR solution, natively integrated with the Group’s TMS management software. The goal is to offer the market a fully digital, standalone platform, without the need for third-party partnerships, to manage the entire road freight process within a single software system.

We are constantly committed to developing certified technology solutions, fully compliant with legal standards, to support the digital transition. Our focus is on enabling the complete management of transport processes while ensuring data security and compliance with both Italian and European regulations.

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Still curious about the e-CMR?

When was the e-CMR officially adopted in Italy?

In March 2024, with Law No. 37.

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What are the most significant advantages of the electronic CMR?

Document efficiency, faster processes, fewer errors and lower costs.

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Can the e-CMR be used for international transport?

Yes, the e-CMR is accepted in most countries that are signatories to the CMR Convention.

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Is the e-CMR secure?

Its security is ensured by notarised digital signatures and technologies such as blockchain and two-factor authentication.

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Can I integrate the e-CMR into my TMS?

Yes, the e-CMR can be integrated into your TMS via APIs or standard interfacing methods.

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How does it contribute to environmental sustainability?

By eliminating paper, the e-CMR reduces environmental impact and supports green policies within the Supply Chain.