In particular, the provisions on carriage contracts, consignment notes, giving orders, the liability of the carrier and time bar follow the CMR closely. The liability of the carrier for damage to cargo is now irrespective of fault. Also, the package limitation regime of the CMR has been adopted, meaning that liability is now limited to 8.33 SDR per kilo. The other duties of the parties are based partly on the CMR and partly on the existing German carriage of goods regulations. In particular, the provisions on the packing of goods and the loading and unloading of them remain more or less unchanged.
Some provisions are entirely new.
These include the provisions on waiting time, the liability of the actual carrier, the limitation of liability arising from sources other than carriage contracts and the carrier's lien. The parties are given maximum freedom of contract. However, the new law prohibits departure from certain provisions by standard terms and conditions. In other words, these provisions can only be departed from by specific agreement between the parties. The carrier is now liable for damage to or loss of the cargo and any financial loss caused by late delivery, without the claimants having to prove any fault on the part of the carrier.