Professional driver training, trade facilitation and new TIR routes were explored by IRU and Pakistani multimodal transport company NLC at key regional conference in Central Asia.

Decarbonisation: it’s not only about alternative fuels. Eco-driving is synonymous with fuel efficiency. By driving more efficiently, drivers can reduce their fuel consumption – and thus CO2 emissions – by up to 15%.

After assessing Benin’s driving licence system and road safety protocols, IRU, the world road transport organisation, has devised a series of recommendations to improve safety and overall traffic efficiency.

Italy, just like many other countries, is suffering from a shortage of drivers, which is compounded by the minimum driving age being 21. Italian bus operator Bus Company has taken matters into its own hands, launching a training academy. Fabrizio Corona, Responsible for Academy and Training at Bus Company, told us all about it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amid the ongoing global driver shortage, it has never been more important to manage, retain and, when possible, hire drivers. To do so, leading companies understand that they need to be an employer of choice.

Reducing liability exposure, minimising road incidents and cutting costs, they can all be achieved with the right approach.

Kelly Diane Freeman is a 30-year-old former beauty therapist who has recently become a truck driver. IRU had the chance to speak with her to see why she decided to make the switch.

IRU partner Middle East Logistics High Institute (MELI), a subsidiary of Almajdouie Group, has trained, assessed and certified over 4,000 truck drivers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by following and applying the standards set by IRU to ensure a high quality of service in the transport of dangerous good by road. 

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.

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

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? 

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?

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

New TIR corridors have opened new opportunities for road transport operators across South and Central Asia. We talked to Yonus Ali Siddiqui, Director of Regional Trade for Pakistan logistics company TCS.

IRU’s Secretary General has met a delegation from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss road transport and transit in Iran and in the region in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. 

IRU’s annual driver shortage survey shows unfilled commercial driver positions continue to increase at alarming rates across the globe.

Mongolian member association NARTAM has celebrated its 30 years of existence, championing road transport and trade in Mongolia and beyond.

The IRU Innovation and Development Fund supports members in implementing new solutions for the road transport industry. TIR associations submit project concepts for consideration, outlining research and field test plans, new technology components, partnership engagement and benefits for the sector. 

IRU has presented to Togo’s Ministry of Transport the results of a three-year project to formalise and professionalise the country’s road transport sector. 

Without a rapid roll-out of recharging infrastructure across the continent, Europe’s freight operators will continue to choose diesel-powered vehicles over clean alternatives, participants at an event on green road freight have heard.

IRU has welcomed today’s European Parliament vote to reject extending the Emission Trading System (ETS II) to road transport. 

IRU member DB Schenker has marked 150 years in business with a Sustainable Logistics Forum in Berlin. IRU was there.