On September 26, 2024, Italy took a significant step towards the digitalization of the transport sector with the entry into force of the Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention, which officially introduces the electronic consignment note (e-CMR). This tool allows the transport document for road freight to be managed in digital format, replacing the traditional paper version. This measure aligns with the goals of modernization and simplification outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), accelerating the digital transition in the logistics and transport sector.
The e-CMR is the digital version of the international CMR consignment note, a crucial document in the road transport of goods among the countries that signed the 1956 CMR Convention. Its electronic version allows the entire process of managing the transport document to be digitized, reducing the need for paper and simplifying information sharing among the various actors involved in the shipment, such as forwarders, carriers, customs authorities, terminals, and final recipients. The e-CMR also facilitates real-time monitoring of goods, increasing transparency and security in logistics processes.
Gruber Logistics has conducted several tests and experiments with the e-CMR in recent years, positioning itself as a pioneer in the digitalization of transport management. Among the most recent examples is a trial conducted on September 23, 2024, which involved a shipment of pharmaceutical products. The goods were transported from Gruber Logistics’ warehouse in Padua to the Port of Trieste, before continuing to Turkey. The trial demonstrated how the e-CMR can ensure full interoperability among the electronic systems of all parties involved, including Infoera Srl (developer of the Port Community System Sinfomar), Accudire Srl, the Guardia di Finanza, and the Customs Agency. Thanks to a unique code, all systems were able to receive and share shipment data in real time, ensuring greater efficiency and accuracy.
The adoption of the e-CMR offers numerous advantages, especially in managing transports that involve transit through ports or intermodal terminals. The main benefits include:
- Interoperability: The e-CMR enables direct integration among the IT systems of different supply chain actors, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), TMS (Transport Management System), and WMS (Warehouse Management System). This allows for smoother data management, eliminating barriers between different digital platforms.
- Reduced Waiting Times: Thanks to the digitalization of documents, customs control operations and checks by authorities, such as the Guardia di Finanza, become faster and simpler. The availability of real-time information facilitates the passage of goods through logistics hubs.
- Increased Transparency and Security: Digital traceability of documentation allows every phase of the shipment to be monitored, reducing the risks of human error and fraud. Information related to the goods travels securely and is accessible to the relevant authorities when needed.
- Sustainability and Cost Reduction: The electronic management of documents significantly reduces paper usage, contributing to more sustainable logistics and lowering management costs. The reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is especially significant for companies, thanks to more efficient and streamlined processes.
Looking ahead, 2026 is set to be a turning point for the logistics sector, as the e-CMR will become compulsory across Europe. This mandatory adoption will ensure that the entire sector aligns with a unified digital system, driving further improvements in efficiency, transparency, and interoperability. While the shift will require additional efforts to align the sector, standardization and compulsory use of this tool could enable the logistics system to achieve a higher level of coordination and competitiveness, bringing tangible benefits throughout the entire value chain.
Gruber Logistics, through its tests and practical experiences, has shown that the e-CMR can significantly enhance processes, especially in interactions between warehouses, carriers, and ports. As Europe prepares for this major transformation, the groundwork laid today will be crucial for ensuring a smooth transition towards a more digital and connected future in transport and logistics.
