Benchmark of European road freight rates in Q2 2022: European road transport prices break new records

Inflation, weakening demand, social instability and the war in Ukraine are leading to tumultuous developments in road freight prices, reveals the Ti / Upply / IRU Road Freight Rate Benchmark for Q2 2022. For the first time, this edition offers a separate analysis of the evolution of spot and contract rates.

TIR needed to boost connectivity of landlocked developing countries

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.

Ashgabat Forum: transport driving post-pandemic recovery in focus

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

Driving standards: more than seven decades of public-private teamwork

IRU and UNECE have been working together for almost 75 years to improve trade and road transport. Did you know that this is the UN’s longest global public-private partnership? 

Passenger transport safety: the vision that drives Alsa

IRU member Alsa is continuing to set high safety standards as it begins rolling-out Roadmasters. What is the company’s safety vision, how is it delivering and what lies ahead?

Digitalisation set to pave the way in Africa following Casablanca workshop

IRU has helped international partners run a training workshop on trade and transport digitalisation tools eTIR and eCMR for Sub Saharan Africa, in Casablanca, Morocco.

Uber files: EU needs clear line between irresponsible digital platforms and regular transport businesses in upcoming platform workers legislation

With recent evidence concerning Uber's unlawful business practices coming to light, IRU underlines its support for each worker's right to dignity and decent working conditions, whether employed or self-employed.

Resilient China-Europe trade routes eyed with diversified road corridors

Amidst ongoing global supply chain disruptions, IRU and the UN have brought together the logistics sector from Asia and Europe to discuss more resilient east-west road links.

New Mobility Package 1 single window for EU road transport launched by IRU

IRU, the world road transport organisation, has launched a new portal for the transport sector bringing together, in one place and in an easy-to-read format, key information on the application of Mobility Package 1 rules across the EU.

Road-only transport needed in new EU state aid exemptions on greening

IRU is calling for the inclusion of road-only transport, representing almost half of EU transport, on an equal basis with rail and inland waterway transport in new EU state aid exemptions to promote decarbonisation.

EU tourism sector calls for a pragmatic ETS II for buildings and roads

IRU and EU tourism associations are calling for pragmatism in upcoming negotiations on extending the Emissions Trading System to buildings and road transport (ETS II).

UN echoes IRU approach in renewing road safety action for 2030 plan

The UN General Assembly met last week in a renewed push on road safety, with a focus on driver training, conditions and monitoring, as well as vehicle standards, public transport and international cooperation.

EU environment ministers see reason: An all-inclusive Emissions Trading System for road agreed

EU environment ministers, meeting in the EU Council, have voted for an Emission Trading System for buildings and roads (ETS II) that sees reason, taking on board critical road transport industry recommendations.

Lawmaker: Europe needs the internal combustion engine

Rather than prescribing solutions like electrification to decarbonise road transport, policymakers should focus on creating a framework for innovation that takes a technology-neutral approach, argues MEP Barbara Thaler.

CAD elects new leadership and looks ahead

IRU’s Commission on Customs Affairs (CAD) has elected a new president and vice presidents from the Czech Republic, Latvia and Saudi Arabia. 

IRU briefs Commissioner Vălean on EU transport and mobility developments

IRU has met EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean at a crucial time in the development of important social, environmental and digitalisation files related to road transport.

Free zones: Shaping supply chain resilience with TIR

The World Free Zones Organization (FZO) has held its annual conference and exhibition. IRU Director of TIR and Transit Tatiana Rey-Bellet was there. 

Diversity and inclusion eyed in RoadMasters Forum focus on driver shortage

Shifting to a diverse and inclusive industry in times of driver shortages was at the heart of discussions at the fourth IRU RoadMasters Forum, held virtually last week.