Driver shortages: IRU and EU commissioner explore solutions

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.

IRU, WHO and ILO leaders review future pandemic recommendations

The heads of several major international organisations met in Geneva yesterday to finalise recommendations for future public health emergencies drawn out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of road transport operations and drivers, especially those crossing borders, were confronted with thousands of uncoordinated government restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in rapidly changing national rules and restrictions which made it difficult to keep supply and mobility chains open.

To tackle driver shortages, EU must remove age barrier for bus drivers

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.

IRU celebrates vocational training on International Day of Education

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.

Supply chains at risk with new UK clandestine entrant scheme

IRU is concerned about the announced changes to the UK government’s Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme for road hauliers, which will enter into force on 13 February 2023, and the potential impact it could have on UK-Europe supply chains.

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan join United Nations e-CMR protocol

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have acceded to e-CMR, committing to fully paperless goods transport and reinforcing their transition from landlocked to landlinked countries. Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, two countries at the heart of east-west and north-south trade, have acceded to the e-CMR protocol, which will further digitalise goods transport, boosting trade and connectivity.

New TIR centre opens in Iran to meet growing transit demand

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.