Newsroom

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.

Geopolitical upheavals are shifting cross-border freight movements, while disruptive technologies are transforming them. How can we boost the efficiency and resilience of supply chains?

Can cross-border trade in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region be more than 90% faster? Yes, transport companies from the region shared their experiences using the TIR system at our recent webinar.

With an initial focus on defensive driving and crash prevention, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) looks to raise road safety levels across Pakistan.

IRU RoadMasters, a skills profiling programme to assess drivers’ abilities, target training and monitor progress, comes to Estonia.

The new champion trainers will train over 200 Iranian instructors based on internationally recognised standards.

Transforat, a leading road transport provider of innovative digital solutions, has joined IRU as its newest member.

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

Supported by IRU, Malaysia is laying the groundwork to apply key international safety standards in how dangerous goods are transported on its roads.

How do we make trade in the Americas both more efficient and sustainable? IRU outlined key measures at a recent World Customs Organization event in Jamaica.

IRU, the world road transport organisation, has published its annual report for 2023, looking at the organisation’s progress and achievements in shaping safe, efficient and sustainable road transport during its 75th anniversary year.

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 Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) is equipping current and aspiring Indian truck drivers with the latest internationally recognised training standards.

To reduce road accidents in Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, IRU is providing a comprehensive defensive driver training framework to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Surprised by the training system for truck drivers in his country, IRU New Industry Shaper Lenno Põder decided to become a truck driver himself to truly understand the profession. He now offers accessible, innovative and inclusive training in Estonia.

IRU and ITF have reinforced their commitment to drive a just transition and improve the accessibility and attractiveness of the commercial driver profession with a Just Transition for Transport pledge.

IRU and Iran’s public and private road transport sector have held a hybrid conference on road safety, professional qualifications and the transport of dangerous goods.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto and the President of Mongolia have held high-level talks on measures to further streamline trade and professionalise the country’s road transport industry.

Indian training institution the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) has teamed up with IRU to elevate its driver training programmes.

Almajdouie Logistics has become the first logistics service provider in Saudi Arabia to adopt IRU RoadMasters’ goods transport programme.

IRU Academy Associate Training Institutes from 20 countries have stressed the importance of strengthening professional qualification standards to help mitigate driver shortages during their recent e-meeting.

Professional driver training, trade facilitation and new TIR routes were explored by IRU and Pakistani multimodal transport company NLC at key regional conference in Central Asia.

Decarbonisation: it’s not only about alternative fuels. Eco-driving is synonymous with fuel efficiency. By driving more efficiently, drivers can reduce their fuel consumption – and thus CO2 emissions – by up to 15%.

After assessing Benin’s driving licence system and road safety protocols, IRU, the world road transport organisation, has devised a series of recommendations to improve safety and overall traffic efficiency.

Italy, just like many other countries, is suffering from a shortage of drivers, which is compounded by the minimum driving age being 21. Italian bus operator Bus Company has taken matters into its own hands, launching a training academy. Fabrizio Corona, Responsible for Academy and Training at Bus Company, told us all about it.

IRU and EU Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner Nicolas Schmit met to discuss key social developments threatening the road transport industry and the broader EU economy. IRU, together with its member Fédération Luxembourgeoise des Exploitants d’Autobus et d’Autocars (FLEAA), met European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit to discuss current social issues and future developments that are particularly concerning for the EU road transport industry.

Brussels, 24 January 2023 – In a letter to the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council, two major transport organisations have called for the revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive to lower the minimum driving age for professional drivers. The EU road transport sector is facing an unprecedented and severe driver shortage that is expected to triple by 2026 if no action is taken.

Investing in people pays great dividends. Well-trained drivers have fewer accidents, are more efficient and have greater job satisfaction. Sustainable economic growth and job creation require a thriving road transport sector backed by a trained and motivated workforce. The highest training standards are essential for supply chains and transport networks to operate safely and efficiently.

IRU member the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) has opened a new TIR office in Bandar Abbas. Iran has issued more TIR carnets than any other country over the past two years.

Amid the ongoing global driver shortage, it has never been more important to manage, retain and, when possible, hire drivers. To do so, leading companies understand that they need to be an employer of choice.

Reducing liability exposure, minimising road incidents and cutting costs, they can all be achieved with the right approach.

Kelly Diane Freeman is a 30-year-old former beauty therapist who has recently become a truck driver. IRU had the chance to speak with her to see why she decided to make the switch.

IRU partner Middle East Logistics High Institute (MELI), a subsidiary of Almajdouie Group, has trained, assessed and certified over 4,000 truck drivers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by following and applying the standards set by IRU to ensure a high quality of service in the transport of dangerous good by road. 

The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the Republic of Botswana conducted, in close collaboration with World Trade Organization (WTO), a session on improving the connectivity of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) last week. The session took place during the Aid for Trade Global Review 2022.

The International Transport Forum in Turkmenistan brought together leaders from business, government and international organisations to discuss a range of issues. IRU was there.