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World leaders voice support for road transport heroes amidst crisis
Global | Geneva

World leaders voice support for road transport heroes amidst crisis

22 Apr 2020 · People, Prosperity

Many governments have publicly recognised the essential work being done by the women and men who operate commercial vehicles since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

US President Trump has become the latest leader to underline the importance of road transport. Speaking at the White House last week, he said that "Truck drivers form the lifeblood of our economy. My hat is off to the entire trucking industry for keeping our country and our economy moving." The event was attended by IRU members UPS and American Trucking Associations (ATA). 

French President Macron, in his national address last week, spoke of truck drivers and delivery people as “a second line of defense…playing a crucial role in allowing life, as we know it, to continue”. 

German Chancellor Merkel spoke of the relevance of truck drivers to Germany’s systematic pandemic response, and German President Steinmeier has thanked the country’s truck drivers specifically. 

Chinese Premier Xi recently spoke during a visit to Zhejiang Province on the importance of smooth global supply chains for economic and trade activities. 

Australian Prime Minister Morrison, in a national update earlier this month, flagged as critical “the people driving trucks to get food out to supermarkets and ensure the suppliers continue to run.”

Visible and vocal support from government leaders is boosting the motivation of our hero drivers and workers in all corners of the world keeping transport networks and supply chains running in difficult conditions. 

IRU continues to take action to ensure our industry is recognised for its vital contribution to the global economy, during and post COVID-19.