Verfrachtung

Verfrachtung is a German term used in logistics and transport law to denote the carriage of goods by a carrier under a contract of carriage in exchange for freight. It describes the act of moving goods from the place of loading to the destination under terms agreed between shipper and carrier. The term emphasizes the contractual and economic relationship rather than the mere physical act of moving goods, and is commonly used in business documents and legal contexts in German-speaking countries.

Scope and modes: Verfrachtung covers all modes of transport—road, rail, sea, air, and multimodal arrangements. It encompasses the operations performed by the carrier or freight forwarder (Spediteur) and may include forwarding services, packaging, loading, dispatch, and delivery as part of the contract.

Legal framework: In Germany the carriage of goods is governed by commercial and civil law, with international road transport typically regulated by the CMR Convention; other modes operate under their respective regimes. A contract of carriage defines the obligations of the carrier (to transport, handle with due care, deliver) and of the shipper or consignor (to provide goods, documents, and payment). Verfrachtung is distinguished from Verladung (loading) and from the broader notion of Transport (movement of goods).

Documentation and risk: The contract is often evidenced by a Frachtvertrag, and for international shipments a Frachtbrief (bill of lading) may be issued. Risk generally passes in accordance with the contract and governing law, with standard provisions on carrier liability limits and insurance.

See also: Fracht, Frachtvertrag, Spedition, Frachtbrief, CM R, Spediteur, Transportrecht.