CMR transport
CMR cargo damage: first steps and preserving evidence
A practical sequence for recording damage, shortage or another issue in international road transport involving Serbia.
Published 26. February 2026. · Autohelp expert team
For a CMR matter involving Serbia, build a timeline: the condition at takeover, carriage, discovery and delivery records. Evidence should be preserved early because technical and physical data can disappear or change.
Record goods and packaging
Photograph external and internal condition, labels, pallets, seals and loading. For shortage, record units and the counting method.
Preserve transport records
The CMR note is central but not the only record. Keep the transport order, invoice, packing list, proof of delivery and technical data.
- CMR note and reservations
- Temperature reports
- GPS and telematics data
- Warehouse or survey records
Notify the relevant parties
Notification should be timely, factual and consistent with contracts and policies. Avoid accepting liability before the roles and evidence have been reviewed.
Limit further loss
Where safe and reasonable, protect the goods from further deterioration and record every measure, its reason and associated cost.