An AVC consignment note is a national transport document used for the carriage of goods within the Netherlands. It shows the agreement between the sender, carrier and recipient. In this article, we’ll tell you more about how the AVC consignment note is used.
What is an AVC waybill?
An AVC consignment note is proof of an agreement. It contains important information about the goods and the carrier’s related responsibilities. The AVC consignment note is used for transport within the Netherlands. It is therefore our national equivalent of the international CMR consignment note (for cross-border transport). The AVC consignment note can also be useful when submitting a claim for damages.
What does AVC stand for?
The abbreviation AVC stands for General Transport Conditions and only applies if the sender and carrier agree to it. The AVC provisions were first established in 1946 and are updated from time to time to reflect new regulations. At the time of writing (April 2025), the AVC 2002 is in force.
How does an AVC shipment work?
We first take a closer look at how an AVC shipment works. Then we explain how an AVC consignment note is prepared.
- Drawing up the AVC consignment note: This is done by the sender.
- Transferring the cargo: The carrier picks up the cargo and the consignment note is signed.
- Transport: The carrier transports the goods in accordance with the agreements in the AVC waybill.
- Delivery: The recipient signs for receipt after delivery.
- Keeping the AVC waybill: The parties involved keep it for their records.
If there are any special circumstances, such as delays or damage, these must be reported to the sender in writing as soon as possible, preferably on the waybill.
What information is included in an AVC waybill?
Drawing up the AVC consignment note is the first step after a shipping agreement has been made. It must include at least the following:
- Proof of agreement: With the signatures of the parties involved.
- Names and addresses of the parties: And the date and place of handover.
- Description of goods: Information about the cargo, such as the type of goods, weight and quantities.
- Responsibilities: Who is responsible for what, and when.
- Other details: Those relevant to complying with the agreements.
AVC consignment note example: You can find software online that automatically creates an AVC consignment note for you. For your records, you need 3 documents (for the sender, carrier and recipient). You can obtain official AVC consignment notes through Stichting Vervoeradres.
How long should you keep an AVC consignment note?
Under Dutch law, you must keep your records for 7 years (longer for some businesses), so make sure you follow the official rules for retaining your records.
Would you like to use the AVC consignment note to claim compensation for damage? You must do so within 1 year of the delivery date, or the date on which the goods should have been delivered according to the AVC consignment note (3 years in cases of gross intent or negligence).
Submit an AVC consignment note claim
Would you like to file an AVC claim? Make sure to do so promptly through the carrier, and include a clear damage report with supporting evidence. This could include photos, statements and the AVC waybill.
Under the AVC, the carrier is liable for damage unless it can be shown that the damage could not have been prevented. Many transport companies take out insurance for this, so any disputes can be resolved properly and quickly.
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