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Border delays, permit digitalisation, and visa hurdles dominated discussions at BSEC-URTA’s General Assembly last week, as regional leaders tackled urgent threats to road transport and trade in the Black Sea region.

With China TIR operations surging 90% over the past year, IRU members from China and across Eurasia convened in Geneva to explore new routes, expand logistics hubs, and unlock untapped transit potential.

IRU welcomes today’s vote by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee endorsing the provisional Driving Licence Directive agreement reached during trilogue. This follows recent formal approval by the Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives, the first of the EU co-legislators to back the deal. The reform responds to long-standing industry calls to address driver shortages and promote the digitalisation of driving licences while upholding high road safety standards.

The Upply x Ti x IRU European road freight rates index for Europe shows that Q1 2025 contract rates fell by 2.3 points quarter on quarter (q-o-q). Spot rates declined more sharply, 3.8 points q-o-q. However, the spot index was up by 1.6 points, and the contract index rose by 0.4 points, year on year (y-o-y).

IRU joins the global call this week for safer roads, reinforcing the need to formalise, professionalise and certify the commercial road transport sector across the globe.

IRU, the world road transport organisation, welcomes integrated supply chain leader Sesé as its newest member in a shared effort to advance sustainability, efficiency and innovation.

IRU’s General Assembly and councils brought together members from around the world for two days of discussions on opportunities to boost competitiveness, mitigate cargo crime, advance decarbonisation, overcome driver shortages and navigate economic shifts.

Leading Swedish operator LBC Frakt is investing heavily in low- and zero-emission transport. What it needs now is not more targets, but rather pragmatic support to scale up progress.

IRU, the world road transport organisation, has published its 2024 annual report, highlighting key achievements in advancing safe, efficient and sustainable road transport during a challenging year.

With driver shortages looming large, Türkiye’s trucking industry is hitting the brakes on gender imbalance.

Trucks connect every corner of this vast country, ensuring that no region is left behind. It’s a story of logistics, yes – but also of national integration and economic lifeblood. What’s next for this critical sector? We asked its representative body, IRU member NTC&Logística.

How far along is the road freight sector on its journey to net-zero? We shared exclusive insights from the IRU Green Compact survey during our latest webinar with leading players from the sector, revealing how companies are navigating challenges and reshaping investment strategies and operations.

IRU welcomes Germany’s coalition agreement as a step forward for a pragmatic and enabling approach to decarbonising commercial road transport. But the lack of concrete support measures for clean fuels alongside zero-emission vehicles is a missed opportunity.

IRU, the world road transport organisation, welcomes Rui'an Transportation Group as a new member, marking a strategic step in the company’s ambition to expand its international road freight business with the TIR system.

The European Commission’s proposal for the revision of the Roadworthiness Package is a timely and necessary step to modernise outdated EU rules. It strikes a positive balance between enhancing road safety and embracing digital solutions, while avoiding unnecessary burdens for commercial road transport operators.

The Chinese logistics firm looks to expand its TIR operations and raise the efficiency of intermodal transport.

What’s next in the digitalisation of logistics? FedEx shares its vision and move to pre-operational intelligence.

Why aren’t more Brazilian women benefiting from the truck driving profession? IVECO is working to change this with Caminhos para Elas. More than half of the women who participated in the programme's first year have already secured employment.

Edenred, a worldwide leader in specific-purpose payments and mobility solutions, is set to amplify its service through IRU events, market intelligence and industry advocacy.

As the EU grapples with an ageing workforce, IRU made the case for tapping third-country drivers to help ease growing shortages at the recent THAMM Plus event in Tunis, Tunisia.

Tariff volatility is putting increasing pressure on cross-border trucking operations. Following IRU’s North American Transportation Forum Dialogue with industry leaders last month in Washington, DC, the Mexican government invited Senior Adviser Martin Rojas to further explore the impact of tariff policies on the region’s supply chains.

IRU’s latest global truck driver shortage report is out. While unfilled positions in 2024 were similar to 2023 due to easing transport demand, alarming figures show a widening age chasm between young and older driver employment rates. But salaries and job satisfaction remain high.

IRU and Lease Europe brought together EU lawmakers and industry leaders in Strasbourg today to chart a realistic path forward to green corporate fleets.

The first TIR journey from China to Turkmenistan following the signing of a new road transport agreement has showcased the power of streamlined cross-border trade.

Central Asia’s freight transport faces key challenges, but a coordinated regional approach could unlock sustainable connectivity and resilience. Experts recently gathered at an International Transport Forum (ITF) event to assess strategies.

Third-country drivers working in the European Union deserve full respect and support.

Trade facilitation and decarbonisation topped the agenda as IRU’s Secretary General met with Brazil’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Geneva.

DLL, a global leader in asset finance solutions for equipment and technology, has partnered with IRU to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

IRU welcomes the provisional agreement reached following trilogue negotiations between EU institutions on the revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive. The outcome reflects long-standing priorities of the road transport sector and supports efforts to ensure road safety and alleviate the growing shortage of professional drivers.

IRU outlined its road transport sector reform methodology, tools and results to transport professionals from across Africa this week in Benin.

A recent workshop explored the challenges and opportunities of a pilot driver mobility scheme between Egypt and Romania.

IRU, the world road transport organisation, welcomes leading global logistics provider DP World as its newest member.

We have expanded the IRU fuel price service to include weekly updates for alternative fuels and one-week price forecasts.

Iraq is set to reap the benefits of the global TIR transit system when it goes live next week in the country, marking a new era in international logistics and trade.

Behind every well-stocked shelf and timely delivery this Ramadan, there’s a truck driver pushing forward. In this guest article, Phillip Khoury, Managing Director of Dubai-based transport and logistics company ADSO, pays homage to the resilience and dedication of truck drivers.