Le electronic waybills (e-CMR) are operating also in Italy. They remember it Unioncamere e Uniontransport which highlight how this measure constitutes a significant step forward towards digitalisation in the sector road freight transport.
What are electronic consignment notes and what changes?
e-CMRs are digital documents accompanying international shipments of goods. They replace traditional paper waybills, simplifying the transport process and reducing the use of paper. This innovation was made possible thanks to Italy's membership in the Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road, established by law no. 37 of 8 March 2024.
But what changes? With the introduction of electronic consignment notes (e-CMR), the management of road freight shipments in Italy will undergo a significant transformation. Every change to the electronic document will be tracked, providing a history of operations that facilitates dispute resolution and increases trust between the parties involved. Digitalization also reduces the risk of loss or damage compared to paper formats, ensuring immediate access to e-CMRs with all validated signatures. Furthermore, the use of blockchain technology ensures information security, preventing unauthorized changes, and improves dialogue with the Customs Agency for international transport, making the e-CMR resistant to counterfeiting.
Digital transition, Unioncamere and Uniontrasporti in support of companies
Unioncamere e Uniontransport have accompanied companies in this transition through the project “Paving the way for the digitalization of road transport in Italy”, co-financed by IRU (International Road Transport Union). The project aims to support operators and companies in the transition to digital logistics.
Le main activities include the dissemination of new trends and regulations on the digitalization of road transport documents, along with networking meetings between stakeholders such as companies, technology providers and authorities. In addition, a survey will be conducted to assess how the perception of digitalization in logistics chain companies has changed over the last two years, identifying needs and critical issues.
To facilitate understanding of new practices and regulations, a Free webinar on October 23rd. This meeting will be open to all operators in the sector and will offer an opportunity to delve into issues related to the digitalisation of transport documents. To stay up to date on the activities and results of the project, Unioncamere and Uniontrasporti have activated a place, where you will be able to find all the necessary information, including updates on webinars and future communications.
Another objective of the project will be to conduct a survey among companies in the supply chain, to assess how the perception of digitalization has changed in the last two years. This will help identify the needs and any critical issues to be addressed.
