IRU helps Benin overhaul its driver qualification framework
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.
Nurturing talent: Italian bus company takes matters into its own hands
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.
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.
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.
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.
MELI reaches 4,000 drivers certified on IRU RoadMasters hydrocarbon programme
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transit as Iran’s road transport priority
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.
Thirty years of road transport excellence in Mongolia
Mongolian member association NARTAM has celebrated its 30 years of existence, championing road transport and trade in Mongolia and beyond.
Trusting your supply chain
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.
Diesel will remain until green charging infrastructure improves
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.