Problemy Transportu i Logistyki

The authors present the issue of the carrier’s possibility to release himself from the liability for the damage caused by the defect or failure of the means of transport. The analysis of the international and domestic provisions leads to a conclusion that the technical condition of the vehicle, as an independent cause of the damage, is covered by the carrier’s liability in all of the analysed legal acts. The carrier is not allowed to invoke this circumstance, even if it was caused by a third party who is not engaged in the execution of the contract. However, one exception may be found in CMR Convention, which may be interpreted in a way allowing the carrier to exonerate from the liability for defect or failure of the refrigeration equipment in- stalled on the vehicle, if he proves that he took all necessary and applicable measures regarding the choice, maintenance or use of the equipment and that the followed all given instructions. The carrier of each transport sector may release himself from the liability if he proves that the defect or failure of the vehicle was caused by the default of the consignor.