What is a CMR consignment note?

The CMR consignment note is the most important document in international road transport. It is based on the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) of 1956 and has been ratified by 55 states. It governs liability, compensation and the obligations of sender, carrier and consignee.

How long can a truck driver drive continuously?

According to EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006, the maximum daily driving time is 9 hours (up to 10 hours twice per week). A driving break of 45 minutes must be taken after a maximum of 4.5 hours. Weekly driving time must not exceed 56 hours, and the two-weekly total must not exceed 90 hours.

What is the difference between FTL and LTL?

FTL (Full Truck Load) means one shipper uses the entire truck exclusively. LTL (Less than Truck Load) is a partial load where multiple shippers share a truck and pay only for their loading meters used. FTL is faster and more direct; LTL is more cost-effective for small shipments.

What is ADR and who needs it?

ADR is the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. It applies to all companies that transport, load or pack dangerous goods (classes 1–9). Drivers require an ADR certificate and vehicles must be specially equipped.

What does toll cost in Europe?

Toll costs vary greatly: Switzerland has the LSVA (distance-related heavy vehicle charge) for all trucks from 3.5t – approx. CHF 0.01–0.04 per vehicle km depending on weight and emission class. Germany has had a toll for all vehicles from 3.5t since 2023, with a CO2 surcharge since July 2024. France and Austria have their own toll systems.

What is cabotage in road transport?

Cabotage refers to the transport of goods within a foreign country by a transport company registered in another country. In the EU, a maximum of 3 cabotage operations within 7 days after an international delivery are permitted. After that, the vehicle must return to the home country.

What is GDP in refrigerated transport?

GDP stands for Good Distribution Practice. It is an EU guideline (2013/C343/01) that sets requirements for the transport and storage of medicinal products. Pharmaceutical companies must ensure that medicines are transported under controlled temperature conditions – typically +2°C to +8°C (cold chain) or +15°C to +25°C (ambient).

When does express transport pay off?

Express transport pays off for time-critical shipments (production stoppage, spare parts, perishables) where the higher costs are justified by the avoided damage. Same-day transport costs 3–10× more than standard groupage, but offers guaranteed delivery times of a few hours.

What is a tachograph?

A tachograph is a control device that must be installed in vehicles from 3.5t (EU regulation). It records driving speed, driving time, rest periods and driver activities. Since 2019, smart tachographs with GPS and GNSS are mandatory for new vehicles. From 2024/2025, older vehicles must be retrofitted with second-generation smart tachographs.

What documents do I need for international truck transport?

For international truck transport you need: CMR consignment note (mandatory for cross-border transport), delivery note, commercial invoice, customs documents (T1/T2 for non-EU), driver attestation (for third-country drivers in EU), and for dangerous goods all ADR documents (transport document, safety data sheet). For cabotage, also the proof documents of the preceding transport.

ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) is an international UN/ECE agreement from 1957 that regulates the transport of dangerous goods by road in Europe and beyond. It is updated every two years (current version: ADR 2025). It is legally binding in the EU and Switzerland.

Who needs an ADR certificate?

Every driver transporting dangerous goods in quantities exceeding the ADR exemption limits needs a valid ADR certificate. The certificate is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry. There are basic courses as well as specialized courses for tank and class 1/7 transport.

What do tunnel categories A–E mean in ADR?

Tunnels are classified in ADR categories A to E, indicating which dangerous goods may pass: A = no restrictions, B = dangerous goods with high explosion risk prohibited, C = even more restrictive, D = goods that can cause major explosions or fires prohibited, E = all dangerous goods prohibited (with few exceptions). The tunnel category is shown on signs before the tunnel.

What are limited quantities (LQ) in ADR and when does the exemption apply?

Limited Quantities (LQ) are an ADR exemption for small quantities of dangerous goods in inner packagings. If the quantity per inner packaging and total quantity per package do not exceed LQ limits, the requirement for hazard labels, orange plates and ADR driver certificate is waived. Marking: diamond pattern label. For most classes, LQ values range from 1 g or 1 ml to max. 5 kg or 5 l.

What written instructions must be carried during ADR transport?

For ADR transports exceeding exemption limits, written instructions (accident information sheets) must be carried in the vehicle. They describe: nature of dangerous goods and hazards, actions in case of accident or leak, protective equipment for the driver. Format: A4, in the language of origin and destination countries. Basis: ADR Chapter 5.4.3. Templates available from IRU or national associations.

What is a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA) and when is it mandatory?

A Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) is mandatory for all companies that send, transport, load or receive dangerous goods by road, rail or inland waterway. Exceptions for small quantities (Chapter 1.3 ADR). The DGSA must pass a written exam, conducts training and prepares the annual report. Certificate valid for 5 years.

ADR 2025 · EU & CH · Aktuell 2026

ADR Dangerous Goods Transport

All 9 ADR classes (incl. sub-classes), tunnel categories A–E, orange panels & marking, LQ limited quantities, accompanying documents, DGSA obligation, vehicle equipment and ADR certificate – fully updated according to ADR 2025.

ADR dangerous goods truck with orange panels and hazard labels on motorway

Dangerous goods drums with hazard labels in storage area

ADR Classes 1–9 (incl. sub-classes): Overview

Class	Description	Subclasses / Examples	Symbol
1	Explosive substances & articles	1.1–1.6: Fireworks, ammunition, detonators	💥
2	Gases	2.1 flammable (propane), 2.2 non-flammable (CO2), 2.3 toxic (chlorine)	🔥
3	Flammable liquids	Petrol, diesel, solvents, paints, alcohols	🔥
4.1	Flammable solids	Matches, sulphur, magnesium	🔥
4.2	Substances liable to spontaneous combustion	White phosphorus, vegetable oils with high fat content	🔥
4.3	Substances which emit flammable gases when in contact with water	Sodium, potassium, calcium carbide	⚡
5.1	Oxidising substances	Hydrogen peroxide, nitrates, chlorates	🔥
5.2	Organic peroxides	Benzoyl peroxide (hardeners, polymerisation)	🔥
6.1	Toxic substances	Pesticides, mercury compounds, certain medicines	☠️
6.2	Infectious substances	Medical waste, diagnostic materials, clinical specimens	☣️
7	Radioactive material	Medical radioisotopes, nuclear fuel (extremely regulated)	☢️
8	Corrosive substances	Battery acid, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid	⚗️
9	Miscellaneous dangerous substances & articles	Lithium batteries, dry ice (CO2), magnetised materials, elevated temperature	⚠️

Tunnel Categories A–E

Cat.	Restriction	Permitted goods
A	No restrictions	All dangerous goods permitted
B	Class 1 (major explosion risk) prohibited	Most dangerous goods, except major explosion risks (1.1, 1.2, 1.3)
C	Major explosion and fire risk prohibitions	Limited dangerous goods; tank vehicles FL/AT partially permitted
D	All goods that can cause explosions or major fires prohibited	Only non-critical dangerous goods: class 2 (certain gases), class 3 (small quantities)
E	All dangerous goods prohibited (few exceptions only)	Only UN3373 (biological substances, cat. B), non-hazardous goods with hazard label

Mandatory ADR Vehicle Equipment

Always required (all ADR transport)

Fire extinguisher (cabin + cargo)
Warning triangle (min. 1 per ADR 8.1.5; DE/AT/CH: 2 pieces)
Torch (non-sparking)
High-vis vest (for each driver)
Transport documents (ADR)
ADR driver certificate

Class/substance-specific

Protective gloves (classes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)
Safety goggles (classes 3, 5.1, 6.1, 8)
Eye-wash liquid (classes 6.1, 8)
Shovel/collection container (liquids)
Respirator (class 2 toxic gases, class 6.2)

ADR Certificate (Driver Training)

Course type	Duration	Valid for	Validity
Basic course	3 days	Classes 1–9 (general cargo, placards)	5 Jahre
Specialist course tank transport	1.5 days	Tank vehicles (FL, AT, EX/III)	5 Jahre
Specialist course class 1 (explosives)	1.5 days	Class 1 transport (EX/II, EX/III)	5 Jahre
Specialist course class 7 (radioactive)	1.5 days	Class 7 transport	5 Jahre
Renewal course	2 days + 0.5 per specialist	Renewal of existing certificate	Further 5 years

ADR 2025 – Key Changes (in force from 01.01.2025)

Transitional period: ADR 2023 could continue to be applied until 30 June 2025.

🔋 New UN numbers sodium-ion batteries

·UN 3551: Loose sodium-ion batteries (more thermally stable than Li-ion)
·UN 3552: Sodium-ion batteries packed with equipment

🚗 New UN numbers electric vehicles

·UN 3556: Vehicles with lithium-ion propulsion
·UN 3557: Vehicles with lithium-metal propulsion

📋 New test summary obligation (UN 38.3.5)

·Manufacturers and distributors of cells/batteries (after 30.06.2003) must provide test summary
·Exception: button cells in equipment, prototypes, small series

🏷️ Marking changes

·Previous lithium battery marking now also applies to sodium-ion
·New packing instructions P 909–912 for damaged batteries

Orange panel with hazard number and UN number on ADR truck

Marking & Orange Panels

Marking Obligations – Orange Panels, Hazard Labels & Placards

Element	Size	Where attached	Content
Hazard label	100 × 100 mm	Individual packages, containers, drums	ADR class symbol, colour by class
Placard (large label)	250 × 250 mm	Containers, tank containers, vehicles (all 4 sides)	ADR class symbol, weatherproof
Orange panel (blank)	400 × 300 mm	Front & rear of vehicle (general cargo)	Orange only, no content – indicates: dangerous goods loaded
Orange panel (with hazard ID number)	400 × 300 mm	Tank trucks: front, rear & sides	Top: Kemler number (hazard identification), Bottom: UN number

* The Kemler number (also Hazard Identification Number, HIN) indicates the hazard characteristics: first digit = primary hazard, second/third digit = secondary hazard. Double digits (e.g. 33) indicate increased intensity.

LQ – Limited Quantities: Simplified ADR Rules

Many dangerous goods may be transported in small quantities (LQ = Limited Quantity) with greatly simplified regulations. Basis: ADR Chapter 3.4. No type-tested packaging required, no ADR certificate for driver required.

✅ What is waived for LQ

No ADR training certificate required for driver
No type-tested (UN-certified) packaging
No orange panels on vehicle
No written instructions (emergency card)

⚠️ What still applies for LQ

→LQ symbol (black-white diamond) mandatory on each package
→Max. 30 kg gross per package
→Inner packaging: quantity limit per substance per ADR table column 7a
→Vehicles >12 t gross weight must be marked with LQ symbol

Typical LQ goods: aerosol cans, paints & varnishes in small containers, batteries, household cleaners, disinfectants, adhesives. Always check column 7a in the ADR table – not every substance has an LQ exemption.

Accompanying Documents & Written Instructions (ADR 5.4)

Document	Who issues	Content	Required
Transport document (ADR 5.4.1)	Sender / shipper	UN no., proper shipping name, ADR class, packing group, quantity
Written instructions (ADR 5.4.3)	Carrier provides	Measures in case of accident/emergency per dangerous goods class; use ADR template; in driver's language
ADR driver training certificate	Approved training centre	Name, classes, validity period (5 years)
ADR vehicle approval certificate	Technical service / TÜV	Only for tank vehicles, EX and AT vehicles	Partly
Photo ID (each crew member)	Driver / co-driver	Passport, ID card or driving licence

Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) – Company Obligation

Every company involved in dangerous goods transport (sender, carrier, consignee, loader, unloader, packer) must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA) – unless an exemption applies.

DGSA exemptions

Exclusively driver role (driver duties only)
Sender/unloader with ≤ 50 t/year (except cat. 0 & radioactive)
Transport exclusively of exempted goods per ADR ch. 3.3–3.5

DGSA duties

→Monitoring compliance with ADR regulations
→Annual report to company management
→Prepare accident reports and report to competent authority (DE: BALM, CH: ASTRA/Police)
→Qualify for training, exam every 5 years

Key Terms in Glossary

Dangerous Goods ADR (Dangerous Goods Agreement)UN Number Hazard Label Tunnel Category (ADR)Safety Data Sheet (SDS)Kemler Number (HIN)Packing Group (I/II/III)Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA)

Further Links

→ Toll & tunnel restrictions → Refrigerated transport & ADR class 6.2 → Customs & dangerous goods → ADR 2025 (UNECE)