What is eCMR?
For decades, the paper-based CMR consignment note has been at the heart of international road transport. But for shippers and carriers, this traditional process comes with mounting challenges. Manual handling of documents slows down workflows, errors in data entry cause costly delays, trouble archiving, finding the right documents or a loss thereof as well as lack of real-time visibility hinders decision-making across the supply chain. Physical paperwork is not only inefficient, it also creates silos between stakeholders, making it harder to coordinate in an increasingly fast-paced and interconnected logistics world.
That’s where eCMR, the Electronic Consignment Note, makes a difference. As the digital version of the traditional CMR, eCMR streamlines the creation, exchange, and storage of transport documents. Backed by the 2011 Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention, it allows shippers, carriers, and consignees to collaborate through a unified digital document.
Since its introduction, eCMR has been accepted widely. Over 36 countries, including key logistics hubs like the Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany, and Poland, have ratified the protocol (crosslink to ratification page). This growing international acceptance paves the way for seamless, cross-border digital transport that is legally recognized and future-ready.
What are the benefits of eCMR?
- Operational efficiency
Reduce paperwork, streamline documents exchange, and eliminate redundant data entry with end-to-end digital workflows.
- Faster invoicing and cost saving
No more printing, archiving, or couriering physical documents. Companies save on material costs and reduce time spent on handling paperwork. Faster proof of delivery also leads to faster invoicing and payment processing.
- Real-time data sharing
Digitalisation of consignment notes enables instant access to freight documentation allowing for better planning, faster responses, and improved collaboration across the supply chain.
- Improved accuracy and data quality
Digital entries minimize manual mistakes and ensure data consistency across systems. Instant access to freight documentation for all involved stakeholders.
- Legal & regulatory acceptance
With growing international ratification, eCMR is legally valid across many borders, removing the need for physical paperwork and reducing the risk of compliance issues.
- Sustainability
Going paperless directly supports environmental goals by cutting waste and lowering the carbon footprint of logistics operations.
A Regulatory Push Towards Digitalization
Across Europe, authorities are fast-tracking the shift to digital transport documentation. With 36 countries ratifying the eCMR protocol, cross-border transports are becoming more connected. The EU’s eFTI Regulation is planned toapply in full in July 2027, paving the way for fully paperless logistics. Countries like Spain are also setting deadlines—digital consignment notes are to become mandatory by January 2026. As legal framework accelerates, more shippers, carriers and other supply chain players are making the digital shift today, to become more competitive and set up their organisations for the future
What makes TransFollow eCMR different?
At its core, TransFollow eCMR solution is more than a digital document: it's a tool to unite your supply chain.
Designed by the market and for the market, TransFollow is trusted by many global players,shippers, carriers, and consignees across Europe and beyond.
- Centralized document management and customizable digital workflow
Create, send, and sign consignment notes digitally and tailor your operational workflow in one secure, digital environment. Instantly access freight documents in a centralized repository, accessible for all stakeholders.
- Secure and flexible signing to fit your operations
Choose from 5 digital signing methods: sign-on-glass, QR code, remote(sign-with-distance) signing, scan company code, or secure back-office sign-off - customized to fit your operations.
- Fully legally compliant
Built to meet both international regulations and the eCMR Additional Protocol, TransFollow eCMR guarantees legally valid transport documentation by following GDPR and ISO 27001 standards.
- Real-time visibilty
Full transport visibility and status tracking. Keep everyone informed - no more wondering where the goods are. Share data with all relevant stakeholders in real-time to address exceptions quickly and easily.
- Flexible and intuitive ways to connect
Whether you are just starting out or digitally mature, TransFollow offers flexible solutions for you to start using the eCMR immediately. TransFollow adapts to your workflows and environment – not the other way around. You can easily integrate TransFollow with your existing TMS, ERP, WMS, FMS systems or use it standalone simply via web-based TransFollow Portal.
- Easy document handling and transport visibility on-the-go
TransFollow offers a solution to manage transport operations on-the-go, allowing the drivers to easily exchange information, transport data and documents with the backoffice. Either with a dedicated TransFollow Drive app or with no downloads at all by using their favourite messaging app like Viber, Telegram or WhatsApp.