Very often, when you ask, "Do you have CMR insurance?", we respond with a confident yes. Naturally, this leads to the assumption: "If there is insurance, my cargo must be protected."
But in reality, this is a common misunderstanding in logistics and freight transportation.
But in reality, this is a common misunderstanding in logistics and freight transportation.
What is CMR Insurance really?
CMR insurance is not insurance for your goods. It is the carrier's liability insurance, which provides compensation only if the carrier is proven at fault — and only within specific limits.
This liability is regulated by the CMR Convention, an international agreement on the carriage of goods by road.
Article 23, paragraph 3 of the CMR Convention states:
📌 “Compensation must not exceed 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight of lost or damaged goods.”
What is SDR?
SDR (Special Drawing Rights) is an international accounting unit published by the IMF. Its value changes daily. For example:
– If 1 SDR ≈ 1.2 EUR, then 8.33 SDR = ~10 EUR/kg.
This means that even for high-value cargo — electronics, medical equipment, luxury goods — compensation is limited by weight, not by market value.
CMR Insurance ≠ Full Cargo Insurance
A common myth: “Our cargo is insured for up to €100,000–1,000,000.”
It sounds reassuring, but it doesn't mean you’ll be compensated that much. These amounts refer to the carrier's total liability, not the value of your specific cargo.
If no additional cargo insurance is arranged, only the CMR rules apply.
This liability is regulated by the CMR Convention, an international agreement on the carriage of goods by road.
Article 23, paragraph 3 of the CMR Convention states:
📌 “Compensation must not exceed 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight of lost or damaged goods.”
What is SDR?
SDR (Special Drawing Rights) is an international accounting unit published by the IMF. Its value changes daily. For example:
– If 1 SDR ≈ 1.2 EUR, then 8.33 SDR = ~10 EUR/kg.
This means that even for high-value cargo — electronics, medical equipment, luxury goods — compensation is limited by weight, not by market value.
CMR Insurance ≠ Full Cargo Insurance
A common myth: “Our cargo is insured for up to €100,000–1,000,000.”
It sounds reassuring, but it doesn't mean you’ll be compensated that much. These amounts refer to the carrier's total liability, not the value of your specific cargo.
If no additional cargo insurance is arranged, only the CMR rules apply.
Comparison: CMR vs. Cargo Insurance
How can you fully insure your cargo?
To receive full compensation based on the cargo’s actual value, you need a separate cargo insurance policy. This policy can cover additional risks beyond the CMR scope — such as theft, fire, water damage, etc.
We can arrange this insurance for you upon request — just provide your goods’ documents and value.
What do we offer?
We are an honest and professional freight transport partner.
We:
If your shipment includes high-value or sensitive goods — electronics, food, equipment — we strongly recommend additional insurance.
Freight transportation and cargo delivery is our daily job — and we know how important it is to feel safe every step of the way. Trust us to help you find the best protection.
To receive full compensation based on the cargo’s actual value, you need a separate cargo insurance policy. This policy can cover additional risks beyond the CMR scope — such as theft, fire, water damage, etc.
We can arrange this insurance for you upon request — just provide your goods’ documents and value.
What do we offer?
We are an honest and professional freight transport partner.
We:
- Don’t claim that “all cargo is automatically insured”,
- Clearly explain the limits of CMR insurance,
- Offer optional cargo insurance if full protection is needed.
If your shipment includes high-value or sensitive goods — electronics, food, equipment — we strongly recommend additional insurance.
Freight transportation and cargo delivery is our daily job — and we know how important it is to feel safe every step of the way. Trust us to help you find the best protection.
