Sweden confirmed its commitment to move towards fully paperless freight by acceding to the e-CMR protocol this week.
In place since 2008, the digital version of the United Nations Convention for the carriage of goods (e-CMR) comprises 25 countries today – a strong representation all across Eurasia that results from lobbying efforts by IRU and its members.
Map of contracting parties - courtesy: UNECE
Sweden’s accession to e-CMR enables the country’s logistics companies to enjoy the many benefits of this digital tool:
Lower costs
- Handling costs can be up to three to four times less expensive
- Faster administration with reduced data entry, no paper handling, no fax/scan/letter exchanges, no paper archiving
- Faster invoicing
- Reduction of delivery and reception discrepancies
Greater transparency
- Data accuracy
- Control and monitoring of the shipment
- Real-time access to the information and proof of pick-up and delivery
With most of Sweden’s neighbouring countries already using e-CMR, all eyes are now on Germany as the next contracting party, so that European transport operators, drivers and shipment companies all benefit from faster, more secure and more transparent trade.