Consignment note, CMR and control document: differences and which to use
The consignment note documents the transport contract between the parties (domestically it is governed by Law 15/2009 and internationally it is called the CMR), while the control document is the administrative proof required by Order FOM/2861/2012 for inspections. They do not replace each other.
Summary of the four documents
| Document | What it is for | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Consignment note | Formalizes the transport contract between shipper and carrier | Domestic (Law 15/2009) |
| CMR | International consignment note | International road transport |
| Control document | Lets inspectors check the transport | Public road freight transport in Spain |
| Delivery note | Details what was delivered and, once signed, proves delivery | Commercial, between seller and buyer |
Consignment note (domestic transport)
Law 15/2009 governs the contract for the carriage of goods by road and the consignment note as the document that records it: parties, goods, loading and unloading places, and conditions. It serves as evidence in the event of a claim for loss, damage or delay.
CMR (international transport)
The CMR is the consignment note for international road transport between countries that are party to the CMR Convention. It is usually issued in three copies: for the sender, the carrier and the consignee. It proves receipt of the goods at origin and is key in claims and in proof of delivery at destination.
Control document
It is independent of the contract: it is the proof the driver must be able to show at the roadside. It is explained in detail in our guide to the control document.
Delivery note
It is a commercial document: it is issued by whoever sells the goods and signed by whoever receives them. With the receiver's signature it works as proof of delivery, but it replaces neither the consignment note nor the control document.
What must the driver carry?
It depends on the type of transport. As a guide:
- Domestic: control document and, normally, consignment note and delivery note.
- International: CMR, in addition to the company, vehicle and driver documents.
- With dangerous goods: the corresponding ADR documentation.
Always validate your specific case with your transport adviser.
How Fleetaria handles it
Fleetaria requires the CMR consignment note number when the trip is international and checks whether the control document has been issued. It generates PDFs of the delivery note, the transport order, a CMR-style document and parcel labels with a QR code. The CMR-style document does not replace the official form and says so. It does not include eCMR yet either.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CMR the same as the consignment note?
The CMR is the consignment note for international road transport. For domestic transport we speak of a consignment note under Law 15/2009.
Can I use only the delivery note?
The delivery note replaces neither the control document nor the consignment note. Check which documents your operation requires.
Is there an electronic CMR?
Yes, the eCMR, provided for in an additional protocol to the CMR Convention. Fleetaria does not include it yet.
Who must issue the consignment note?
Normally it is issued by the shipper or the carrier with the contract data. The specific responsibility depends on what was agreed and on the applicable law.
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Request a demoThis content is informational and was last reviewed in November 2026. Regulations change: check the current text in the BOE (Spanish gazette) or the OJEU and consult a transport adviser before making decisions with legal consequences.