Road Transportation in America

A question?

The future? Dynamic and multi-modal

A key IRU goal is to facilitate trade and road transport through the implementation of existing and applicable UN conventions and instruments, such as TIR. Argentina, Canada, Chile, the United States and Uruguay are already signatories of the TIR Convention.
In addition to its goal of expanding TIR in the Americas, IRU assists countries in harmonising transport links between seaports, rail and road with a view to developing dynamic, multi-modal national and regional transport hubs.

Improving intra-regional trade

As a key export hub, South America faces challenges in improving intra-regional transport integration. Facilitating trade and border operations, and improving transport infrastructure, are therefore crucial priorities. We provide capacity building and share knowledge on issues such as urban mobility, transport and border facilitation, and professional training. Indeed, with our large experience in other regions around the world, we are able to provide insights into improving cross-border operations in North America, especially between the US–Mexico border.

IRU’s strong membership base in the Americas notably involves transport associations, in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United States, and Uruguay. Working collaboratively with organisations such as the Camara Inter-Americana de Transportes (CIT), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), amongst others, IRU aims to bring together other countries in South, North and Central America.

Supporting sustainable and efficient passenger transport

Buses are a reliable and heavily used mode of transport across the Americas. Some countries have very mature and modern passenger road transport industries. IRU supports continued improvements to passenger road transport and develops sustainable programmes for passengers and freight.

As part of Smart Move in the Americas, IRU is working with national and local governments, and regional organisations to design policies that put buses at the heart of urban transport, making them more user-friendly and ensuring ample intra-city bus networks.

North American Transportation Forum (NATF)

After more than two decades of growth under NAFTA, the new USMCA/CUSMA entered into force on 1 July 2020, with updated and modernised trade rules and mechanisms. With 70% of North American trade, by value, transported by truck, it is important that the transportation industry and governments work together to solve key cross-border regional challenges.

Together with active members ATA, CANACAR and CTA, IRU has established the North American Transportation Forum (NATF) which brings together IRU members, supply chain leaders, the wider industry and governments to improve cross-border transportation and logistics in the region.