Truck / Road Transport

The CMR consignment note is mandatory for international road transport in 55 countries. It governs liability (max. 8.33 SDR/kg), obligations of all parties, and serves as the contract of carriage. Since 2008, there is also the E-CMR (electronic CMR).

Daily driving time: max. 9h (up to 10h twice per week). Break: 45 min after max. 4.5h. Weekly driving: max. 56h. Two-weekly driving: max. 90h. Daily rest: min. 11h regular (or 9h reduced, max. 3×/week).

FTL (Full Truck Load) = entire truck for one shipper. LTL (Less than Truck Load) = partial load, multiple customers share the truck. FTL is faster & more direct; LTL is cheaper for small quantities below approx. 6–8 loading meters.

ADR is the European Agreement for the transport of dangerous goods by road. Every driver transporting dangerous goods (classes 1–9) needs a valid ADR certificate (valid for 5 years). Exceptions apply for small quantities below the exemption limits.

Switzerland levies the LSVA (distance-related heavy vehicle charge) for all vehicles from 3.5t. It is calculated per kilometer driven and depends on vehicle weight and emission class. A 40t semi-trailer pays approx. CHF 0.027–0.04/km. The LSVA is automatically recorded via the LSVA tachograph.

GDP (Good Distribution Practice) is the EU guideline for the transport of medicinal products. Pharmaceutical companies must prove that medicines were transported under defined temperature conditions. Typical: cold chain +2°C to +8°C, controlled ambient temperature +15°C to +25°C. Vehicles require calibrated temperature monitoring systems.