A Comparative Analysis of the Liability Regime of Road Carriers under the CMR Convention and Iranian Commercial Law, with Emphasis on the Transition to the Electronic Consignment Note (e-CMR) and Distributed Ledger Technology (Blockchain)
Keywords:
Road Freight Transport, Carrier Liability, CMR Convention, Electronic Consignment Note, e-CMR, Blockchain, Distributed Ledger TechnologyAbstract
Digital transformation in road freight transport has fundamentally affected traditional transport documentation and, consequently, the mechanisms used to determine and attribute carrier liability. Using a descriptive, analytical, and comparative legal approach, this study examines the liability regime of road carriers under the CMR Convention and Iranian commercial law and analyzes the legal implications of the transition from paper consignment notes to e-CMR and the application of distributed ledger technology. The findings indicate that the CMR provides a more coherent and specialized framework regarding the temporal scope of carrier liability, loss, damage, delay, exemption grounds, burden of proof, liability limitation, and the consequences of intentional or grossly wrongful conduct. Iranian commercial law, although recognizing the professional responsibility of the carrier, requires further development in terms of regulatory detail, digital compatibility, and the legal treatment of electronic transport documents. The e-CMR can strengthen evidentiary reliability and transparency by enabling precise recording of time, location, transport instructions, cargo condition, and final delivery. Blockchain technology may further reduce disputes concerning authenticity and data integrity by creating time-stamped, traceable, and tamper-resistant records. Nevertheless, immutability does not necessarily guarantee substantive accuracy, and unresolved issues remain regarding inaccurate data entry, sensor malfunction, technology-provider liability, cybersecurity, data protection, and cross-border interoperability. The study concludes that modernization of Iranian road transport law should simultaneously address substantive carrier-liability rules, comprehensive legal recognition of e-CMR, and the allocation of responsibility arising from digital transport infrastructure.
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