Can the grid handle electric trucks?
A fully electric truck fleet in Germany would require a quarter of the electricity available for consumption today.
Uptick in Iraq TIR operations injects fresh momentum into trade flows
Amid threats to transport and trade caused by geopolitical conflicts, IRU’s Secretary General put the spotlight on the continued, and expanding, success of the global TIR transit system at Türkiye’s Global Transport Connectivity Forum 2025.
Netherlands paves the way for cleaner taxis
The Netherlands is a European leader in taxi decarbonisation: one in four taxis are zero-emission vehicles. But as the country pushes forward, a critical question emerges: how effective are the increasingly ambitious greening targets if the conditions needed to achieve them are not yet in place?
EU passenger rights: Positive signs but balance needed for road transport
IRU welcomes today’s votes by the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) on new rules for enforcing passenger rights in the EU and in multimodal journeys but warns that some proposals risk placing excessive burdens on bus and coach operators.
From Europe to the GCC: New resilient Iraqi TIR routes slash journey times
With Iraq now fully operational in the TIR system, new faster and more flexible transport routes are opening between Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. One example: from Poland to the United Arab Emirates in 10 days, more than halving the traditional 24-day journey.
Attracting new talent: Professionalisation key to solving driver shortages
The chronic shortage of truck drivers continues to threaten the efficiency of transport and logistics operators. IRU outlined why a major part of the solution lies in professionalisation at ALACAT 2025 in Madrid.
IRU joins high-level EU dialogue on emissions trading and climate finance
IRU joined key EU stakeholders at a high-level Implementation Dialogue on the rollout of the Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) and the Social Climate Fund (SCF), cornerstones of the EU’s climate strategy.
EU lawmakers and road transport industry in decarbonisation dialogue
The EU’s road transport sector is already decarbonising. But scaling up progress requires smart regulation, targeted investment and coordinated action. This was the central message from IRU’s recent high-level conference in Brussels.
Harmonisation key to unlocking trade, says IRU in Montenegro
Regulatory fragmentation is holding back the efficiency, safety and competitiveness of the road transport sector in the Western Balkans.
Supporting drivers and skills: IRU and UNTRR meet EU Executive VP Mînzatu
As the EU looks to strengthen working conditions, invest in skills, and modernise infrastructure, IRU and UNTRR met EU Executive VP Roxana Mînzatu to discuss practical solutions for drivers and operators alike.
Insights from the ground: AI and leading trends in trucking
How widespread is the use of AI in trucking? IRU unpacked AI adoption and key market patterns facing the industry at Transport Logistic in Munich.
Decarbonising EU road transport: Solutions for 2030 and beyond
Road transport operators are beginning to invest in new vehicles. But for the decarbonisation transition to succeed, the sector needs clear, coordinated support. EU policymakers and road transport industry leaders are coming together to debate practical and scalable solutions to deliver environmental and economic benefits at IRU’s high-level event tomorrow in Brussels.
Enabling a pragmatic, operator-led automated mobility future
Leading the dialogue on the future of automation in road transport at EUCAD 2025, IRU organised a workshop on AI and logistics, ensuring that the voice of operators was central to Europe’s cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM) agenda.
Black Sea region trade bottlenecks in focus at BSEC-URTA 45
Border delays, permit digitalisation, and visa hurdles dominated discussions at BSEC-URTA’s General Assembly last week, as regional leaders tackled urgent threats to road transport and trade in the Black Sea region.
Transport legislators endorse EU driving licence reform
IRU welcomes today’s vote by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee endorsing the provisional Driving Licence Directive agreement reached during trilogue. This follows recent formal approval by the Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives, the first of the EU co-legislators to back the deal. The reform responds to long-standing industry calls to address driver shortages and promote the digitalisation of driving licences while upholding high road safety standards.
European road freight rates fall in Q1 2025
The Upply x Ti x IRU European road freight rates index for Europe shows that Q1 2025 contract rates fell by 2.3 points quarter on quarter (q-o-q). Spot rates declined more sharply, 3.8 points q-o-q. However, the spot index was up by 1.6 points, and the contract index rose by 0.4 points, year on year (y-o-y).
IRU and ETF call on EU Commissioners to shed light on posted driver pay
IRU and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) have urged European Commission leaders to support the road transport sector by urgently clarifying how EU rules on posted driver pay are applied by Member States.
Germany backs pragmatic road transport decarbonisation
IRU welcomes Germany’s coalition agreement as a step forward for a pragmatic and enabling approach to decarbonising commercial road transport. But the lack of concrete support measures for clean fuels alongside zero-emission vehicles is a missed opportunity.
IRU welcomes European Commission Roadworthiness Package proposal
The European Commission’s proposal for the revision of the Roadworthiness Package is a timely and necessary step to modernise outdated EU rules. It strikes a positive balance between enhancing road safety and embracing digital solutions, while avoiding unnecessary burdens for commercial road transport operators.
Global leader in B2B mobility solutions Edenred joins IRU
Edenred, a worldwide leader in specific-purpose payments and mobility solutions, is set to amplify its service through IRU events, market intelligence and industry advocacy.
Global parcel delivery company Geopost joins IRU
Parcel delivery and commerce solutions market leader Geopost has become the world road transport organisation’s newest member.
EU CO₂ fine relief welcome, but not enough says IRU
IRU welcomes the EU’s targeted amendment introducing flexibility for manufacturers to reach car and van CO₂ emission reduction targets, but calls for a broader, accelerated revision to support realistic decarbonisation.
Drivers and rules need to be respected
Third-country drivers working in the European Union deserve full respect and support.
Global asset finance company DLL partners with IRU
DLL, a global leader in asset finance solutions for equipment and technology, has partnered with IRU to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
Provisional EU Driving Licence deal supports skills and talent attraction
IRU welcomes the provisional agreement reached following trilogue negotiations between EU institutions on the revision of the EU Driving Licence Directive. The outcome reflects long-standing priorities of the road transport sector and supports efforts to ensure road safety and alleviate the growing shortage of professional drivers.
IRU members set priorities for EU transport policies
IRU’s EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee (CLTM), Passenger Transport Council for EU Affairs (CTP-EU) and Taxis and Hire Cars with Driver Group (TA Group) recently met in Brussels to address key legislative developments and elect new leadership teams.
Sweden’s buses are now nearly 100% fossil-free
How did they achieve this remarkable feat?