EU modal split and combined freight transport trends
Which EU countries have the highest volumes of imports and exports by road? Where are the busiest country-to-country corridors? Which transport modes are moving the most imports and exports inside the EU and between the EU and other countries? Are trends changing over time? How much road freight moves by combined transport – using more than one mode of transport – across the EU, and in individual countries? This Intelligence Briefing breaks down modal split and combined freight transport trends
Logistics trade bodies call for action on new EU import declarations
Global and European trade associations representing commercial transport have issued an urgent alert to all businesses involved in the movement of goods into or via the EU, Norway, Switzerland or Northern Ireland, by sea, road or rail. The new Import Control System (ICS2) will start to be introduced from June this year.
New truck CO₂ tolls in Europe: what you need to know
EU countries have started implementing new truck CO₂ tolls. Whether they’re new or additions to existing tolls, they will have a big impact on logistics. What will those be? Axxès and DKV Mobility uncovered them for us at our recent webinar.
Growing in-house talent: How CEVA Logistics is overcoming driver shortages
The trucking industry is facing a chronic shortage of drivers. How are companies dealing with it? IRU member CEVA Logistics has turned its focus inward to reduce their exposure to the risks associated with driver shortages.
Austria’s north-south road corridor blockages are illegal, confirms EU
The European Commission has released its official response to a complaint by the Italian government, clearly outlining several breaches of EU law by Austria. As repeatedly stated by the commercial road goods transport sector, several traffic bans imposed by Austria against heavy goods vehicles are hampering the free movement of goods by road through one of the key trade corridors, in breach of EU law.
European road freight rates Q1 2024: Both spot and contract rates fall
The Upply x Ti x IRU European road freight rates index for Europe shows that Q1 rates fell in both the spot and contract markets. The spot rate index is down 8.2 points year on year. Meanwhile, falls in the contract rates index have slowed, down 1.0 point year on year.
New EU CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles: the work begins
The European Council has reached a final decision on the new EU CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles. This concludes a legislative process that led to overly idealistic emission reduction targets. But more work lies ahead. The standards include a revision clause for 2027 and further evaluation of the role of carbon-neutral fuels in achieving net-zero emissions.
How technology is making trucks greener
Efficiency measures are estimated to account for over half of CO₂ emission reductions by 2050; alternative fuels implementation the other half. How does this work in practice? We asked IRU member Trailer Dynamics.
AI for safe, efficient and green mobility takes centre stage in Abu Dhabi
The IRU-Emirates Driving Company panel at DRIFTx Abu Dhabi explored the latest AI and digitalisation trends advancing the safety, efficiency and sustainability of road transport.
CANACAR moving Mexican trucking forward
IRU member CANACAR discussed the role of women in Mexico’s trucking industry and elected new leaders at its General Assembly.
Driving change: The future of energy infrastructure for road transport
In a three-part webinar series, IRU and POLIS brought together European leaders to advance the decarbonisation of heavy-duty freight transport within (peri-)urban areas and the European road network. Participants debated critical issues shaping the EU’s journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
Safer refugee services in Africa: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Safety is at the heart of our work. For decades, we, together with our members, have worked to make road transport safer for everyone, including for drivers operating vital life-saving services.
European Parliament endorses a balanced solution on platform workers
The European Parliament has officially approved the provisional agreement with the Council on the Platform Workers Directive at today’s plenary session. Pending confirmation from the Council, the focus now shifts to Member States.
Drivers and cargo at risk: EU needs more safe and secure truck parking
Employers, trade unions and parking operators are urging the European Commission to maintain a focused approach to certifying, upgrading, building, and funding safe and secure truck parking areas in the EU over the next three years.
IRU, ETF call for EU action on third-country driver rights and conditions
IRU and ETF delivered their joint statement on third-country drivers to the EU Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner today. Both organisations commit to working together to enhance the working conditions of third-country drivers, in full respect of their rights.
The EU’s new carbon toll: Complexities, shortcomings and solutions
EU countries have started implementing the bloc’s new CO2 tolls. Whether they’re new or additions to existing systems, they will have a big impact on logistics. What will those be? We asked Axxès and DKV Mobility for their perspectives.
IRU at Connecting Europe Days: key insights
IRU addressed the urgent need for better alternative fuel options, secure parking solutions and road transport’s role in multimodal transport at Connecting Europe Days in Brussels.
Versatility on the road: unpacking the EU’s truck fleet
The EU has a remarkably versatile truck fleet consisting of over 6.75 million vehicles. This IRU Intelligence Briefing unpacks this figure, looking at vehicle age, distribution, configuration, usage versus capacity, and much more.
Asia-Pacific trade forum focuses on sustainable and resilient supply chains
IRU detailed how harmonised tools and digitalisation can significantly enhance the efficiency, security and sustainability of trade at the Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum.
CountEmissions EU: Parliament confirms pragmatic reporting framework
IRU welcomes the endorsement of the CountEmissions EU report by the European Parliament’s plenary. The adopted text adds clarity on the steps that road transport companies are expected to take in order to report their greenhouse gas emissions.
Parliament backs EU’s overly ambitious new heavy-duty vehicle CO₂ targets
Despite a last-minute push for technology neutrality, the European Parliament’s plenary vote on CO₂ emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles fails to recognise other solutions that can play a role in decarbonising the commercial road transport sector.
IRU and UNHCR join forces to raise road safety in key African countries
To reduce road accidents in Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, IRU is providing a comprehensive defensive driver training framework to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).