How road transport companies are meeting COVID-19 challenges

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to transform their operating environment, road transport companies are having to swiftly adapt their strategies.

New COVID border emergency protocols needed, as stranded drivers face grim Christmas

As thousands of stranded truck drivers are preparing to spend a grim Christmas along European roads, haulage firms need governments to agree and act on clear protocols to avoid a crisis like COVID-19 blocking a major border crossing again.

Egypt strengthens trade links with TIR accession

Egypt, the Arab world’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, has become the 77th country to accede to the United Nations TIR Convention.

Spain lowers minimum driver age to 18 to attract the next generation of drivers

Fantastic news for Spanish road transport as new legislation brings the minimum age for professional drivers down to 18 for goods and 21 for passenger transport drivers. This move will help combat the 40% rate of youth unemployment in the country.

A year of challenge, change and unity in road transport

As we reach the end of 2020, we look back on the year and reflect on the highs and lows for our industry. Without question, the pandemic has marked 2020 as a year like no other in road transport. 

Keep trucks moving across France-UK border

IRU calls on the French, UK and other governments to keep borders open for goods transport and for clarity regarding new COVID-19 measures. 

UK confirms readiness for TIR when Brexit transition ends

The UK government has confirmed it is ready for increased TIR transits between the UK and the EU when the Brexit transition period ends in two weeks.

TIR cuts transport costs between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait by 40%

The first TIR movement has taken place between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, opening a new TIR corridor between the two countries. 

TIR set to bring further stability and economic prosperity to the Arab region

At a virtual event organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) yesterday, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto stressed the importance of using the TIR system to facilitate and secure trade in the region.

Well-to-wheel, alternative fuels and Eco-trucks on decarbonisation agenda

IRU’s long standing partnership with the International Transport Forum’s (ITF) decarbonising transport project continues with advocacy on road transport priorities to meet CO2 emissions targets.

IRU spearheads industry reform in Togo

IRU is guiding efforts to formalise and professionalise the road transport industry in Togo through the creation of a national road transport federation.

EU Mobility Strategy will severely limit decarbonisation potential of commercial road transport and destroy coach services

The European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, published today, will fail to achieve 2050 carbon neutrality targets as it is based on a distorted “tank-to-wheel” approach that only measures CO2 emissions at the vehicle tailpipe. This will severely limit the decarbonisation potential of commercial goods and passenger transport by road.

Industry stakeholders call for EU recognition of renewable fuels

IRU and an industry coalition of 38 organisations call on EU Commission to recognise importance of carbon neutral fuels in Europe.

IRU champions road transport excellence in Eurasia

IRU has announced the winners of its Best Eurasian Road Transport Operator Award, which recognises excellence in economic performance, corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 

New IRU General Delegate takes the reins in Moscow

Vadim Zakharenko officially takes over as IRU’s General Delegate in Moscow.

IRU and POLIS pledge to boost collective mobility

IRU in partnership with POLIS, the network of European cities, is launching a pledge to promote and increase the use of coaches, as the most inclusive and sustainable urban transport option.  

EURO VII debate must keep internal combustion engine on the table

A coalition of transport and energy stakeholders has written to the European Commission voicing concerns about the way that DG GROW’s Advisory Group on Vehicle Emission Standards (AGVES) is planning the Euro 7/VII standard.

New intermodal TIR service across Caspian Sea supports regional trade

A new Ro-Ro service activates several TIR corridors across the Caspian Sea, connecting Iran, Russia and Kazakhstan. It’s great to see another example of TIR being used to drive intermodal trade and economic development in this region.