Question 1

What is a CMR consignment note?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How long can a truck driver drive continuously?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the difference between FTL and LTL?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is ADR and who needs it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What does toll cost in Europe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is cabotage in road transport?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is GDP in refrigerated transport?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 8

When does express transport pay off?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is a tachograph?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What documents do I need for international truck transport?

Accepted Answer

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.

Total length	16'500 mm
Total width	2'550 mm
Total height	4'000 mm

Load length	13'600 mm
Load width	2'480 mm
Interior height	2'700 mm

Max. gross weight	40'000 kg / 40.0 t
Tare weight	15'500 kg ca.
Payload	24'500 kg / 24.5 t
Floor height	1'200 mm

Loading metres (LDM)	13.6 m
Cargo volume	90 m³
EUR pallets (single layer)	33 Stk. (800×1200 mm)

Total length	16'500 mm
Total width	2'550 mm
Total height	4'000 mm

Truck Types & Dimensions

Semi-Trailer – Curtainsider (Tautliner)

Overall dimensions

Cargo space (interior)

Weights

Capacity

Typical applications

All vehicle types overview

LDM Formula & Vehicle Selection

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Further Information