Newsroom

IRU, together with two other major transport organisations, has called on EU lawmakers to back critical measures and ensure that EU public transport services remain sustainable and accessible amid a severe shortage of bus and coach drivers.

At the 2024 PROLOG International Supply Chain Conference today, IRU’s President detailed the transformative changes ahead in road transport.

IRU and partners have called on Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to revive the EU’s focus on the fundamental role of public transport.

IRU and FIA will run eco-driving awareness sessions for 5,000 public bus and taxi drivers in Baku ahead of COP29 to help reduce CO₂ emissions during the world’s biggest climate conference.

The European Commission has committed EUR 320 million to develop secure truck parking areas across the EU. IRU’s persistent advocacy has played a critical role in securing this landmark budget under Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding.

Road transport leaders from across the EU and members of the new European Parliament came together last week for a dinner debate on the sector’s top priorities for this legislative term.

Industry leaders and Members of the European Parliament meet today to discuss and define the next steps for the EU commercial road transport sector.

Border delays raise the cost of international road transport by up to 50%, dampening trade potential. How do we fix this?

At the opening of Lithuania’s annual International Transport Innovation Forum, IRU stressed key measures to raise resilience, focusing on driver shortages, decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Eurasian border crossings are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with shifting and rising freight flows. What is the solution?

The European Parliament has backed the road transport industry in a key vote, initiating negotiations on driving licensing and greening reforms.

IRU and its Swiss member ASTAG were on the ground today at a truck parking near Geneva, spending a few hours with drivers to discuss their challenges – and, more importantly, recognise their critical work and dedication.

IRU takes note of the Court of the European Union's decision on the Mobility Package 1 challenges brought forward by Member States. The Court annulled the rule on the return of the vehicle, but it confirmed the validity of all other contested provisions.

The annual Swedish Bus and Coach Driver Championship has long been an opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and commitment of bus drivers. This year, the first prize for Sweden’s best bus driver went to a woman.

Emilie Høydal did not have a typical start to her career in transport. She first studied media and communications in high school. But after two years, she learned that it was not for her. So she dropped out and worked at a gas station for a while. She eventually decided to go back to high school to study technological and industrial production. This is where the magic happened.

Change has been slow. What can be done to accelerate it?

IRU members and industry leaders from Eurasia and beyond, as well as development partners, international organisations and financial institutions, are gathering in Uzbekistan to discuss challenges and capitalise on opportunities to streamline international trade.

Iran’s main road transport association has joined IRU as its newest member.

The European road freight rates index shows that Q2 rates fell in the contract index by 1.3 points quarter on quarter. In contrast, the spot rate index rose by 3.5 points quarter on quarter.

Truck drivers in the EU can expect a much-needed improvement in rest facilities. The European Commission has announced an additional EUR 60 million funding allocation to build and upgrade secure parking areas.

As the new European Parliament sits for the first time, IRU looks forward to working with MEPs to drive a more sustainable, efficient and innovative EU road transport sector. Priority policy actions are outlined in IRU’s Manifesto.

IRU member the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation has launched a new campaign to tackle the chronic shortage of bus and coach drivers by simplifying access to training and attracting new talent.

How much do you know about taxis? In the second article of a two-part series, four IRU taxi members uncover the challenges and misconceptions facing the sector and where it will be in five to ten years.

A new study funded by the European Commission seeks to quantify a major pain point for the road transport sector: the critical shortage of safe and secure parking.

IRU has presented this year’s Top Road Transport Manager Awards to 67 managers in 12 countries.

IRU calls for EU funding of safe and secure truck parking areas is paying off: Europe's first Dekra Platinum certified truck parking has opened in Romania.

How do we deal with the shortage of drivers? A new project looks to find best practices of international collaboration and support the mobility of drivers from surplus countries.

‘What does gender have to do with it?’ Passionate about driving, Maryam Fayaz was determined to join her husband on the road. Her persistence paid off. Here’s her story in her own words.

IRU and CLDP have teamed up to raise professional qualification standards in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to advance road transport operations along the Trans-Caspian route.

The trucking industry is facing a chronic shortage of drivers. How are companies dealing with it? IRU member CEVA Logistics has turned its focus inward to reduce their exposure to the risks associated with driver shortages.

At a recent meeting held at IRU in Geneva, US and global trucking industry stakeholders compared and addressed solutions to key challenges undermining road goods transport operations.

IRU member CANACAR discussed the role of women in Mexico’s trucking industry and elected new leaders at its General Assembly.

Safety is at the heart of our work. For decades, we, together with our members, have worked to make road transport safer for everyone, including for drivers operating vital life-saving services.

IRU will lead a fact-finding research project, financed by the European Commission, to explore the legal and administrative framework for third-country drivers to access the profession.

IRU’s new European truck driver shortage report has found that over half of operators are unable to expand their business due to the shortage of drivers.