Freight Claims Knowledge Base
Everything you need to know about recovering cargo losses under EU CMR law.
The Complete Guide to CMR Freight Claims in 2025
CMR Law · 12 min read · Published January 2025
The CMR Convention — formally the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road — governs freight liability across 56 signatory countries. For any logistics company moving goods across European borders by road, understanding CMR is not optional. It defines your deadlines, your documentation requirements, and your maximum compensation limits.
This guide covers everything from the moment cargo damage is discovered at delivery to the day your settlement clears. We break down the 7-day visible damage rule, the 21-day concealed damage window, carrier liability limits under Article 23, and the exact documentation you need to file a claim that survives carrier scrutiny.
CMR Law
The 7-Day CMR Rule: What Every Logistics Manager Must Know Before Monday Morning
The CMR Convention gives you exactly 7 calendar days from delivery to report visible cargo damage to the carrier. Miss this window and your claim is void — regardless of how strong your documentation is. Here's how to build a process that never misses it.
Carrier Guides
Why DB Schenker Denies Freight Claims — And Exactly How to Counter It
DB Schenker's claims department denies approximately 38% of initial freight claims, with 'insufficient packaging documentation' and 'late notification' being the two most cited reasons. We analysed 400+ denial letters to map their exact objection patterns.
Carrier Guides
Filing a Freight Claim with DHL Freight: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
DHL Freight uses their own claims portal at dhl.com/freight-claims, requires a specific form (DHL-CLM-01), and has a 14-day internal processing target. This guide walks through every step from initial notification to settlement.
CMR Law
How to Note Damage on a CMR Consignment Note at Delivery
The way you note damage on the CMR consignment note at delivery determines whether your claim survives carrier scrutiny. Vague notations like 'box damaged' get denied. Specific, photographic notations like '3 cartons crushed, contents visible, photos attached' get approved.
Checklists
EU Freight Claim Documentation Checklist: 20 Carriers, 4 Claim Types
Every EU carrier has slightly different documentation requirements. DB Schenker wants repair estimates from certified assessors. Girteka requires the original invoice plus three photographs. This checklist covers the exact requirements for the 20 most common EU freight carriers.
3PL Operations
How 3PLs Can Turn Claims Management Into a Client Retention Tool
Most 3PLs treat freight claims as a cost center and an administrative burden. The best ones treat it as a differentiator. By providing branded claims portals and monthly recovery reports, 3PLs can demonstrate measurable financial value to their shipper clients.