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The digital consignment note will revolutionize freight transport in Spain starting in 2026. If you manage logistics operations, you need to understand what eCMR is, when it becomes mandatory, and how to get ready for this digital shift that will finally remove paper from your processes.
What Is the Digital Consignment Note?
The digital consignment note, also known as eCMR (Electronic Consignment Note), is the electronic version of the traditional CMR document that formalizes the road freight transport contract.
This digital innovation has the same legal validity as the paper document but completely eliminates physical handling, delivering benefits such as:
- End-to-end traceability of the transport
- Fewer administrative errors
- Faster checks during inspections
- No physical archiving of documents
- Better environmental sustainability
Key Differences Between Traditional CMR and eCMR
| Aspect | Traditional CMR | Digital Consignment Note (eCMR) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper | 100% digital |
| Archiving | Physical | Cloud-based, instant access |
| Loss/misplacement | Risk of loss | Cannot be lost |
| Access | Only whoever holds the paper copy | Multiple authorized users |
| Inspections | Physical presentation | QR code or numeric code |
Legal Framework and Effective Dates
Official eCMR Timeline in Spain
- August 2024: EU eFTI Regulation enters into force
- December 2024: Expected approval of the Sustainable Mobility Law
- January 2026: Digital consignment note becomes mandatory
- December 2026: Full acceptance by all European authorities
- 2029: EU review to assess universal obligation
Regulations Governing eCMR
- Royal Decree-Law 14/2022: Mandatory for transports over €150
- ROTT amendment (May 2023): Technical specifications
- eFTI Regulation: European framework for digital documentation
- eCMR Protocol: Already ratified by 38 countries
Who Must Use the Digital Consignment Note?
Starting January 2026, the eCMR will be required for:
- Self-employed carriers and transport companies
- Shippers contracting transport services
- Logistics operators
- Companies with their own fleet
- All B2B shipments over €150
Responsibility: The carrier actually performing the transport (the driver) must always issue the document.
Scope: Domestic and international transport starting at €150.
Exceptions: Who Is NOT Required?
- Mail and parcel services
- Moving services
- Funeral transport
- Transport provided free of charge
- Own-account transport
Technical Requirements for Legal Validity
Electronic Signature
- Exclusively linked to the signer
- Clear identification of the responsible party
- Exclusive control of signing means
- Data integrity (modifications are detectable)
Access for Inspections
- Numeric code for cloud access
- QR code linking to the document
Penalties for Non-Compliance with eCMR
- €400 – €1,000: Errors or missing document
- €801 – €1,000: Failure to formalize when mandatory
- €401 – €600: Incomplete data
- €4,001 – €6,000: Very serious infringements
- €6,001 – €18,000: Repeat offences within 12 months
Without a valid digital consignment note: The vehicle may be immobilized, loading may be delayed, and fines will be imposed directly on the transport company.
Benefits of Implementing the Digital Consignment Note
Operational Benefits
- 70% reduction in administrative costs
- Complete elimination of paper
- Instant access to documentation
- Real-time traceability
- Direct communication among all parties
Competitive Advantage
- Differentiation versus non-digital competitors
- Better customer experience
- Agile, professional processes
- Proactive regulatory compliance
How to Prepare for the Digital Consignment Note
- Assess your current situation
- Identify certified technology providers
- Train your team
- Run pilot tests
- Integrate with your existing TMS
ORUS Logistics: Your Solution for the Digital Consignment Note
At ORUS Logistics, we guide you through the entire journey toward logistics digitalization. Our platform will include digital consignment note and eCMR capabilities for all our customers.
- 100% digital platform compatible with eCMR
- Centralized communication
- End-to-end shipment traceability
- Guaranteed regulatory compliance
- Easy integration with your current systems
- Specialized support
Fewer calls, more control, happier customers: with ORUS, the digital consignment note becomes your competitive edge.
Ready for the digital revolution in transport? Discover how ORUS can transform your logistics communication and your customers’ experience.
