The new open source standard

Explore the OLF-eCMR

The OLF-eCMR provides the long-demanded and much-needed basis for the digital and efficient organisation of international goods transport. The software solution is now fully available for download as open source software in the Repository.

The OLF-eCMR is developed by member companies of the Open Logistics Foundation for the entire logistics industry.

Software benefits

From practice, for practice: Collaboration is key

More than 28 logistics service providers, transport platforms, and logistics and IT service providers worked together on the new standard – many of them companions in the industry, some with existing individual eCMR solutions. The software benefits from considering many different perspectives. The participating companies also represent numerous European countries. The benefits at a glance:

Interoperable and legally compliant

Easy installation and well-thought-out integration

Suitable for companies of any size and any sector

Jonas Kassan

Project lead eCMR, Rhenus

»The OLF-eCMR software is just as easy to handle as the paper document.«

Ingo Müller

Project lead eCMR, Dachser

»With the OLF-eCMR we significantly reduce waiting times and enable more efficient processes.«

One software for every occasion

At the heart of the new eCMR software is the eCMR instance, comprising the frontend, as well as the backend and the APIs for importing/exporting data and authenticating users:

The “Full version” is aimed at logistics service providers and transport companies wishing to set up their own eCMR instances for the first time.

The “Core version” is of interest to companies that already have their own eCMR instances but wish to use the interface – for example, transport platforms.

The use of a standardised eCMR data model enables the exchange of eCMR documents across federated platforms. Neither a central instance nor a mediator or broker is required for this: any company or organisation can become part of the network.

Download technical fact sheet

Introduction to the OLF eCMR solution

In this video, Jens Leveling, Technology Advisor at the Open Logistics Foundation, gives a brief introduction to the eCMR solution of the OLF and demonstrates the first steps to implement it in your internal systems.

Legally secure handover

The Open Logistics Foundation established the legal compliance of the software alongside its technical development. According to the 2008 CMR Convention (eCMR Protocol), the OLF-eCMR ensures authenticity, integrity and accessibility via secure IT systems and electronic signatures. The eCMR does not rely on the electronic signature, which would correspond to the analogue personal signature customary for consignment notes today. Instead, it relies on the advanced electronic seal. The advantage is that advanced electronic seals are not tied to natural persons but represent legal entities – companies and organisations.

Download legal fact sheet

Join our eCMR Q&A Hour

We invite you to a live Q&A session with our Technical Advisor Jens Leveling, also Lead Software Architect at Fraunhofer IML.

This is your opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and explore how you can implement the software in your own operations.

We offer three dates to choose from: in June, July and September 2025. Participation is, of course, free of charge. Please check our events!

Show events

Do you want to help shape and further develop the OLF-eCMR?

Become a member of our project.

Participation in the eCMR project is open to all members of the Open Logistics Foundation. If you are interested in collaborating with other companies, we would be happy to inform you about membership to the Foundation.

Go to project ecmr

Contribute to the code.

According to our contributing.md, developers worldwide are invited to work on the code, develop new functionalities or detect and correct bugs.

Go to repository

Get in touch.

Portrait Andreas Nettsträter

Andreas Nettsträter

CEO
+49 (0) 172 1688483

Send mail

Jens Leveling

Technology Advisor
+49 (0) 231 70096 503

Send mail

FAQs

What else you need to know about the OLF-eCMR

The new open source standard for digital consignment notes: Learn more about the implementation, the use, and the potential of the solution.

How do I integrate the eCMR software into an existing IT landscape?

All building blocks and components of the software are available in the Open Logistics Repository and can be downloaded from there. As it is open source software, its download and use are free of charge. Companies with their own IT departments can integrate the software into their existing systems themselves. Small and medium-sized enterprises can outsource this task and commission an IT service provider of their choice.

How long does it take until the eCMR software is ready for use?

Installation takes only a few hours. However, customisation requires more effort. This varies from company to company, depending on which processes and applications are to be integrated.

Can I modify or extend the eCMR software?

The Open Logistics Foundation explicitly does not restrict changes or extensions to the software. However, the base – i.e., the standardised data model and the interfaces that ensure compatibility – should not be altered without good reason. The Open Logistics Foundation explicitly welcomes the contribution of new functionalities to the Open Logistics Repository so that they are then available to all companies.

May I use the eCMR software to create my own commercial offerings for customers?

Companies may use the software without restriction in accordance with the Open Logistics Foundation License, including for the purpose of expanding their service offering. The service may also be priced accordingly. This also applies to functionalities developed based on the software.

Do I have to join the Open Logistics Foundation in order to use the eCMR software?

No, because every piece of software developed within the Open Logistics Foundation is open source. Its use is free of charge.