A consignment note is a transport document for truck drivers, carriers and shippers. But what exactly is a consignment note, what information does it contain, when is it required, and who is responsible for it? In this blog, we answer all these questions.
What is a consignment note?
A consignment note is a legal transport document used when transporting goods. It serves as proof of the contract between the sender, carrier and recipient. The consignment note records all the important details about the cargo, the transport and the parties involved. It also serves as a receipt for the goods. The document can also be used in the event of any disputes about the delivery.
The consignment note ensures that all parties have clear agreements about the delivery of the goods. This makes it easy to establish which goods were transported, where they came from, where they are going, and under what conditions the transport takes place.
What information does a consignment note contain?
A consignment note contains various important details needed to carry out and record the transport properly. The exact contents may vary, but in general, a consignment note includes the following information:
- Sender details: The name and address of the person or company sending the goods.
- Recipient details: The name and address of the party receiving the goods.
- Description of the goods: What is being transported, including quantity, weight, and any special features or requirements.
- Collection and delivery locations: Where the goods are collected and where they need to be delivered.
- Terms of carriage: Any special agreements regarding the transport, such as responsibilities in the event of loss or damage.
- Dispatch date and expected delivery time: This indicates when the goods were sent and when they are expected to arrive at the recipient's premises.
- Signatures: From the sender, carrier and recipient, confirming that everyone agrees with the contents and the transport.
Some waybills also contain additional information, such as the value of the goods or special instructions for loading and unloading. For international transport, a waybill may also include customs information.
When is a consignment note required?
A consignment note is required when transporting goods by most modes of transport, including road, sea, air and rail. In the Netherlands, a consignment note is required for both domestic and international road transport of goods weighing more than 500 kilograms. A consignment note is also required for the transport of goods covered by the Goods Road Transport Act (WWG).
For international transport, the CMR consignment note is often used. This is an internationally recognized document drawn up in accordance with the rules of the CMR Convention. It applies to road transport between different countries. In practice, this means that almost all goods transported within Europe must be accompanied by a consignment note.
Please note: Not having a consignment note can result in fines or transport problems. In addition, damage to or loss of goods can lead to legal complications if there is no consignment note available to record the agreements.
Who is responsible for the consignment note?
Responsibility for preparing and correctly completing the consignment note generally lies with the sender of the goods. The sender ensures that the consignment note contains all the necessary information and provides it to the carrier.
The carrier is then responsible for complying with the agreements set out in the consignment note. The carrier receives the consignment note when collecting the goods and ensures that the transport takes place in accordance with the stated terms. When the goods are delivered, the recipient signs the consignment note as proof that they have been received.
In some cases, responsibility for the waybill may be shared between several parties. This may happen, for example, in a complex logistics chain involving multiple carriers.
