Trust & Protection
CMR liability, cargo insurance options, and how to file a claim for Spain-origin road freight.
Every international road freight shipment we operate is covered by CMR Convention liability. This is carrier liability that applies by default — you don't purchase it separately. CMR limits compensation to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight lost or damaged (approximately €10/kg depending on exchange rates).
CMR liability covers loss of or damage to goods between collection and delivery. Delay is covered too, but compensation is capped at the carriage charges unless a special interest in delivery was declared in advance (art. 26). For groupage, the time needed to make up a full load in the normal way counts towards a reasonable transit (art. 19) — consolidation is not delay. Concealed damage is treated restrictively: where the goods were packed and loaded by the shipper and were not open to inspection at collection, we cannot verify their condition, and CMR art. 17.4 relieves the carrier of damage attributable to the sender's packing or handling. CMR does not cover indirect or consequential losses.
Three steps from incident to resolution. Clear communication and proper documentation speed up every claim.
Note any damage, shortage or delay cost on the CMR consignment note at the moment of delivery. Visible damage must be recorded on the CMR before you sign — a clean signature makes a later claim far harder. If the delay has cost you money, write that on the CMR too. Photograph the goods inside the trailer before unloading, then the packaging and the annotated CMR. Damage that is visible, discovered after unloading and not recorded on the paperwork cannot be shown to have occurred in transit, and we are not able to accept claims for it.
Send the annotated CMR, the photographs, the commercial invoice showing the value of the goods, the packing list and a written description. For delay, a written liability letter must reach us within 21 days of the goods being placed at the consignee's disposal — CMR art. 30.3 extinguishes the right to compensation for delay without it. Visible damage and shortages follow the art. 30 deadlines: reservations at delivery, 7 days for non-apparent loss. The letter must be complete and every requirement evidenced. Email claims@savaexpress.com or your account manager.
We investigate with our operations team and the relevant insurers. Simple claims are typically resolved within 30 days. Complex cases involving sub-carriers or cross-border inspections may take longer, and we'll keep you updated throughout.
Automatic carrier liability up to 8.33 SDR/kg — no additional cost, covering loss and damage in transit. SAVA's CMR liability policy is insured to €300,000 per claim.
Cover on the goods themselves under the English Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) — warehouse to warehouse, including theft, total loss and accidental damage. SAVA's cargo cover runs to €140,000 per claim. Available per shipment or on an annual policy.
Declare a value above the 8.33 SDR/kg ceiling so loss or damage is compensated at what the goods are actually worth. Surcharge calculated on the declared value and the lane.
For time-critical loads. Compensation for delay is otherwise capped at the carriage charges — declare a special interest in advance, against a surcharge, and proven delay losses are covered up to the amount you declare.
Not for CMR liability — it applies automatically to every shipment. If your goods' value exceeds approximately €10/kg, we recommend all-risk cargo insurance or a declared-value surcharge for full coverage.
Hidden damage must be reported in writing within 7 calendar days of delivery (14 days for international shipments under some jurisdictions). Include photographs and the CMR consignment note number.
Yes. All-risk cargo policies can cover ADR-classified goods, though premiums and conditions depend on the ADR class, packaging, and corridor. Contact us before shipment for a quote.
Simple damage claims with complete documentation are typically resolved within 30 days. Complex cases involving multiple carriers or cross-border investigations may take 60–90 days.
Email claims@savaexpress.com with your CMR number, invoice, and photographs. Your account manager can also initiate the process on your behalf.