The CMR Convention: A Timeless Framework for International Road Transport

Since its signing on May 19, 1956, the CMR Convention has been a cornerstone in providing uniform rules for the contract of carriage of goods by road. With over 60 years of successful implementation, it remains in force in 55 member states, offering legal certainty and predictability to countless businesses across most of Europe and the Middle East.

A Tale of Critiques and Challenges

While the CMR Convention has undoubtedly stood the test of time, it has also faced its fair share of criticisms. These critiques can be mainly categorized into two domains. Firstly, concerns arise from the lack of a uniform interpretation of certain key provisions of the CMR, such as the scope rule, force majeure provision, and the breaking through rule. Secondly, some argue that the CMR is ill-suited for twenty-first century transportation, citing issues like the height of the limits, the absence of specific rules for multimodal and optional carriage contracts, the outdated rules on successive carriage, and the mode-specific nature of the CMR as a whole.

Reflecting on the Future: A Panel of CMR-Scholars

On the momentous occasion of the Convention's 60th birthday, a distinguished panel of CMR-scholars gathered to address the burning question: Is it time for retirement or is the CMR Convention future-proof? Their invaluable insights were shared during a two-day conference in October 2016, and this book stands as a testament to their intellectual contributions. Bringing together the conference proceedings previously featured in TVR and EJCCL, it serves as a wellspring of inspiration for legal engineers responsible for the maintenance, reparations, and revisions of the engine of international road transport law.

In conclusion, the CMR Convention remains a steadfast and integral framework for international road transport, fostering legal consistency and predictability for businesses around the globe. While acknowledging the critiques and challenges it faces, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the CMR's relevance in the present and its potential for the future. It is a must-read for legal professionals seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of international trade and transportation.