GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
International Rail Freight Agreements
When a freight train crosses a national border, international agreements come into force that standardize contract law, liability, and documentation across all participating railways.
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Source: https://www.otif.org/en/legal-texts/cotif-1999/uniform-rules/cim.html
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Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
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Definition & Explanation
When a freight train crosses a national border, international agreements come into force that standardize contract law, liability, and documentation across all participating railways. The primary framework is the CIM Uniform Rules – part of COTIF, the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail – governing contracts between railway undertakings, shippers, and consignees. CIM specifies liability limits for loss or damage, the required transport documents, and procedures for dispute resolution. Most practically, the CIM consignment note remains valid across multiple countries without reissuance, cutting border formalities significantly. Logistics professionals handling shipments between Europe, Turkey, or Central Asia need a working knowledge of COTIF and CIM as a baseline.
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