The impact of the CMR protocol on carrier competitiveness

Abstract

In 1956, an important step was taken in international road freight transport. The CMR Convention, the main purpose of which was to unify the rules for the international transport of goods and thereby promote the development of international trade, was concluded. From a practical point of view, this is of great importance to both carriers and transporters. Similarly, this Convention also incorporates the most important document for the carriage of goods, i.e. the consignment note CMR. Since the adoption of the CMR Convention, the method of calculating the carrier liability has changed with the adoption of the Protocol to the CMR Convention. The Protocol changed the system for calculating liability from one based on the gold franc to a system based on special drawing rights. This protocol has not only changed the unit of constraint, but has also reduced the value of liability limitation for carriers. However, the protocol, which introduced a change in the carrier liability system, has not been accepted by all states. This disparity causes differences in liability and also in the competitiveness of carriers. The aim of this paper is to identify the impact of the adoption of the Protocol on the competitiveness of the carrier in each state which is party to the agreement.