Speeches: David C. Green, IRU Past President

"What can a national association do for its members to be better equipped to avoid or diminish the effect of barriers?
It is critical that the full weight of the IRU power is realised by all member associations taking complementary action. This requires supportive intervention at the national level"

(click on photo to enlarge)

by David C. Green
IRU Past President

What can a national association do for its members to be better equipped to avoid or diminish the effect of barriers?

Efficient transport systems in a modern society are crucial for a successful economy and ensure the level of mobility and quality of life demanded by the average citizen. Transport policies, initiatives and regulations rank high in every government's list of priorities. As a consequence, transport regimes are complex and require a high level of expertise both to administer and to operate.

The arrangements for international transport need to be seen as part of this overall scenario and the lowering of barriers for such movements require a strong intervention at the national level. How can this be realised and how can national associations be best prepared for this task?

Of course, it is essential that every opportunity should be taken to maximise impact on the international stage. Many initiatives depend on action by inter-governmental bodies and, therefore, it is important to work in conjunction with fellow transport associations from other countries. The IRU provides the best route for such joint endeavours but there is much that otherwise can be done.

Indeed, as a former President of the IRU, I am concerned that all too often IRU members sit back and simply hope the IRU can deliver the right outcome. I would be the first to acknowledge the IRU's achievements, but it cannot do this job alone. It is critical that the full weight of the IRU power is realised by all member associations taking complementary action. This requires supportive intervention at the national level to persuade one's own government of the strength of the case as well as local initiatives with other associations at a regional level. Finally action by the IRU often needs real support at the international level from national associations.

The IRU is effective on the world-wide stage. But, to fully pack our punch, we need to act more cohesively in conjunction with all IRU member associations.

The principal area of activity for any association must however be at the national level. Associations must be able to make strong and persuasive interventions with their own governments and must ensure that their members are best equipped to deal with the issues and problems that confront them.

Encouraging an individual government to act on any issue is not easy. It is imperative to demonstrate it is in their interest to do so. Normally, it is therefore important to demonstrate the relevance to the national economy and to show that this is not pleading on behalf of some sectional interest.

Making this case is more straightforward if the association is representative of all transport businesses and interests and not just those engaged in international movements. Creating this broad platform is often a key to establishing the right dialogue with government; in any event it is in the interest of governments to be able to discuss with properly representative national bodies those transport policies and proposed regulations currently under review. Creating a partnership with government is often the best way to achieve one's goals.

The second objective is to assist your members. This demands a range of practical services to the problems they encounter. Some are obvious, others less so:

• sound advice and expertise is essential. This must be readily accessible to members through publications, journals, the internet and telephone hot lines
• provision of all necessary documentation is also important. TIR and CMR are good examples
• availability of a good legal service to assist when required is also important for members
• transport operations are increasingly complex and today often require competence to be shown through the acquisition of a recognised qualification. Training is therefore a key ingredient in any association's service portfolio
• providing auditing and quality performance assessment will also increase professionalism. Many associations now offer these services involving both technical and operational assessment
• access to proper insurance arrangements and good financial advice can be helpful.

There are many other examples of good services offered by IRU member associations. The objective is to provide support in a practical and tangible way. But, there is another benefit; a strong service offering will also ensure a strong association. The twin goals of good services and effective representation go hand in hand and create the respect with government necessary to succeed in winning arguments.

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