Posts in category: Uncategorized

24 NOV 2023 · CORPORATE

Industry leaders, the United Nations and civil society are coming together today to celebrate the first ever World Sustainable Transport Day, officially marked on 26 November.

Sustainable transport connects people, communities and economies in harmony with the environment, improving social equity and development while reinforcing safety and resilience. 

World Sustainable Transport Day, to be marked every 26 November from this year on, will serve as a global platform, raising awareness of the pivotal role that sustainable transport plays in our lives. 

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “This new day, 26 November, is a special day for everyone to stop, reflect and recognise just how crucial transport, and road transport in particular, is in every aspect of our daily lives.

“Road transport services – trucks, vans, buses, coaches and taxis – are the lifeblood of economies and communities worldwide, moving people and goods across villages, towns, nations and continents. Road transport plays an indispensable role in driving the pillars of sustainable development – environmental, social and economic.

“As IRU, we are particularly proud as we proposed this day and helped steer it through the UN adoption process. Now let’s turn words into action. Let’s make 26 November a day to remember this year, and every year.”

The UN General Assembly, the main policy-making organ of the United Nations, adopted the resolution to designate a UN World Sustainable Transport Day at its 77^th session earlier this year.

The resolution followed IRU’s initial proposal for a dedicated “World Transport Day”.

“We would like to thank the Government of Turkmenistan for championing and advancing this idea, and facilitating the adoption of the UN resolution,” said Umberto de Pretto.

IRU has created a dedicated World Sustainable Transport Day website which includes ready-to-use and customisable social media packages to help everyone celebrate this important day.

Palais des Nations lights up

To mark the inaugural celebration of the World Sustainable Transport Day, the United Nations is hosting a special event today in Geneva at the Palais des Nations. 

Following welcome remarks by Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto speaks on greening transport, outlining the fundamental contribution of buses, coaches, taxis and trucks to safer, more efficient and greener sustainable transport.

Source IRU

22 NOV 2023 · PROSPERITY

Cross-border facilitation, digitalisation and decarbonisation led the discussions in Istanbul as IRU celebrated its 75th anniversary with members and partners from the region.

IRU members, transport companies, development organisations and public authorities focused on pressing challenges, including increasingly congested trade corridors and border crossings, facing road transport in Türkiye and the region at IRU’s special 75th anniversary event in Istanbul.

IRU President Radu Dinescu, who delivered the opening speech, said, “Commercial road transport links the region with the rest of the world, driving economic development and social prosperity from the smallest villages to the largest urban centres.

“TIR has always been, and continues to be, at the heart of connectivity, facilitating and accelerating trade and transport while maintaining the security and transparency of cross-border shipments.”

“We must continue and accelerate efforts to digitalise trade and transit with eTIR and other digital instruments to optimise cross-border operations and manage the growing volumes of goods flowing through the region,” he added.

Radu Dinescu’s opening remarks were followed by speeches from TOBB Vice President Tamer Kıran and UND President Şerafettin Aras who congratulated IRU on its 75th Anniversary while reinforcing their commitment to work together in the face of emerging challenges and opportunities.

The event also featured two panel debates. The first panel, moderated by Alper Özel (UND Chairman of the Executive Board), focused on shaping a brighter future for trade and transport around the Black Sea and featured Asset Assavbayev (TRACECA), Burak Serkan Yaşar (the Ministry of Trade of Türkiye), Dimitrios Rallis (BSEC), and Murat Korçak (the Ministry of Transport of Türkiye).

The second panel, moderated by Tatiana Rey-Bellet (IRU), exchanged on avenues to optimise border crossings and featured İdil Bilgiç-Alpaslan (EBRD), Selim Can Sazak (TUM Strategy), Murat Gümüşlüol (Logitrans), Fuat Pamukçu (DFDS), Kenan Güler (Digital Customs Services).

Recognising talent

As part of the celebrations, the event included award sessions recognising excellence in road transport. The Diploma of Honour for outstanding drivers and the Top Road Transport Manager award were presented to winners from Turkish road transport companies.

Over ten drivers were also present at the event and received the IRU Grand Prix d’Honneur, which this year was awarded to all professional bus, coach, taxi and truck drivers in the world in recognition of their collective bravery, courage and dedication in continuing to serve through the pandemic, conflicts and natural disaster rescue and relief operations, despite risks to their own lives.

The IRU Grand Prix d’Honneur awards were followed by a session with IRU’s New Industry Shapers, unique individuals and innovators from the region leading the industry into the future.

Finally, the event included a signing ceremony for IRU’s Charter 75, an industry pledge reinforcing the road transport industry’s commitment to help people in times of crisis. The digital version of the IRU Charter 75, available in six languages, can also be signed online.

In his closing remarks, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “Let me say thank you and congratulations again to all professional truck, bus, coach and taxi drivers – from all countries – for your dedication, commitment and courage. You keep our communities and economies moving every day, in both good and bad times.”

This special IRU 75th anniversary event was jointly hosted by IRU, TOBBUND and DFDS, in partnership with TOBB and UND, within Logitrans, Türkiye and Eurasia’s most important logistics exhibition.

Source IRU

2 NOV 2023 · PROSPERITY

With the rising role of Sichuan as a leading logistics hub in China, IRU and the Sichuan Transportation Department have explored avenues to boost the region’s international connectivity and further professionalise drivers. 

IRU Director of TIR and Transit Tatiana Rey-Bellet met with a delegation from the Sichuan Transportation Department in Geneva to discuss measures that can further leverage TIR for door-to-door connectivity by road transport, develop corridors connecting the region to the west and north, and expand one-stop trucking services.

Deputy Director-General Ning Jian from the Sichuan Transportation Department underlined the increasing importance of the region in national and international connectivity and its vision to become a key logistics hub in China and regionally.

The Sichuan Transportation Deptartment also shared its vision to professionalise its road transport industry, viewing IRU’s expertise and RoadMasters as key to elevating driver skills, which would support the province’s ambition to become a national and international logistics and transport hub.

A recent TIR movement conducted by IRU member the Sichuan Port and Shipping Investment (SPSI) from Sichuan via Kyrgyzstan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, opened a new road route connecting the hinterland of southwest China with Central Asia. 

SPSI joined IRU in 2021 to develop its international road transport capabilities and enhance its image in the international market, cementing a dynamic national and regional logistics hub for multimodal transport.

Source IRU

2 NOV 2023 · PROSPERITY

With the rising role of Sichuan as a leading logistics hub in China, IRU and the Sichuan Transportation Department have explored avenues to boost the region’s international connectivity and further professionalise drivers. 

IRU Director of TIR and Transit Tatiana Rey-Bellet met with a delegation from the Sichuan Transportation Department in Geneva to discuss measures that can further leverage TIR for door-to-door connectivity by road transport, develop corridors connecting the region to the west and north, and expand one-stop trucking services.

Deputy Director-General Ning Jian from the Sichuan Transportation Department underlined the increasing importance of the region in national and international connectivity and its vision to become a key logistics hub in China and regionally.

The Sichuan Transportation Deptartment also shared its vision to professionalise its road transport industry, viewing IRU’s expertise and RoadMasters as key to elevating driver skills, which would support the province’s ambition to become a national and international logistics and transport hub.

A recent TIR movement conducted by IRU member the Sichuan Port and Shipping Investment (SPSI) from Sichuan via Kyrgyzstan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, opened a new road route connecting the hinterland of southwest China with Central Asia. 

SPSI joined IRU in 2021 to develop its international road transport capabilities and enhance its image in the international market, cementing a dynamic national and regional logistics hub for multimodal transport.

Source IRU

1 NOV 2023 · PROSPERITY

Discussions around the importance of the Middle Corridor and solutions to streamline trade along this increasingly vital and busy corridor took centre stage at the BSEC-URTA General Assembly in Baku.

Goods transport along the Middle Corridor and routes that skirt the southern shores of the Black Sea, between the Caucasus and Europe, has grown considerably in recent years, putting pressure on already congested borders and hampering cross-border operations.

IRU’s President, Radu Dinescu, and Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, outlined key steps to optimise trade in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) region at the 42nd Meeting of the BSEC-URTA General Assembly, hosted by IRU member the Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Association (ABADA), in Azerbaijan. ABADA also hosted a special gala dinner with IRU members from the region to mark its 30th anniversary.

IRU President Radu Dinescu, who gave the opening remarks, said, “The Middle Corridor is flourishing.

“In 2022, transit via the Middle Corridor grew by 150% compared to 2021. From just December 2022 to January 2023, the container turnover in the Caspian Basin underwent a 5.5-fold increase. 

“Although this is great news for global connectivity and regional prosperity, we have a responsibility to ensure that goods flow efficiently and securely. Transport operators and drivers are suffering at borders due to long waiting times and additional costs.”

“BSEC countries are playing a crucial role in streamlining the Middle Corridor. We appreciate all efforts of BSEC-URTA to accelerate border crossings. We must continue working together to accommodate the ever-increasing freight volumes,” added Radu Dinescu.

As he outlined solutions and approaches to improve transport along the Middle Corridor, Radu Dinescu emphasised the importance of digitalisation.

“Together with UNECE, we are working on expediting the implementation of eTIR in the region, which should be accompanied by e-CMR, e-Visas and e-Permits. They all offer significant benefits and the ability to optimise transport operations,” highlighted Radu Dinescu.

“Finally, I would also like to highlight that Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Greece are still not part of the BSEC permit system. I encourage them to join the system and take advantage of all it has to offer,” he added.

Based on the ever-growing success of the system, which was created 10 years ago, IRU and BSEC-URTA continue to advocate for increasing the number of permits and extending its geographical coverage.

Radu Dinescu ended his remarks by inviting all members and partners from the BSEC region to attend IRU’s 75th anniversary event in Istanbul on 15 November.

“I hope to see all of you in Istanbul for IRU’s 75th anniversary event, an opportunity to both celebrate our achievements and continue to work on facilitating trade along the Middle Corridor. I would also like to thank ABADA for hosting us in Baku and congratulate them on 30 years of advancing road transport and bringing prosperity to the region and beyond,” concluded Radu Dinescu.

Following the event, Umberto de Pretto and Azerbaijan’s Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Shahin Baghirov, discussed how customs procedures can be facilitated, including with eTIR and TIR/TIR-EPD Green Lanes.

Alat port

BSEC-URTA’s General Assembly concluded with a visit to Baku’s Alat Port, situated at the crossroads of the modern Silk Road and major transport corridors, to explore key challenges and opportunities facing the port.

During the visit, the port’s Chief Operations Officer, Eugene Seah, shared some of the innovations being pursued to maximise the port’s efficiency and sustainability. 

Source IRU

31 OCT 2023 · PROSPERITY

The Middle Corridor reduces dependency on traditional transit corridors while offering a faster trade route. How do we maximise its potential? IRU outlined how in Tbilisi, Georgia. 

Trade along the transcontinental Middle Corridor is booming. 

Connecting China and Central Asia via the Caspian Sea with the Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe, the Middle Corridor is emerging as a pivotal route bridging continents, reshaping the global dynamics of transport and trade.

At the fourth edition of the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, “Connecting Today Resilient Tomorrow”, in Tbilisi, Georgia, IRU’s Secretary General outlined the potential of the Middle Corridor, the challenges it’s facing due to ever-increasing trade volumes, and solutions to boost its efficiency and security.

On a panel with ministers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan as well as the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “The Middle Corridor, the shortest route between China and Europe, is experiencing ever-growing flows of goods.

“From January to August 2023, freight volumes from China to Europe along the Middle Corridor increased by over 80% compared to the same period last year. All signs point to more goods moving through the Middle Corridor in the years to come.”

“We must ensure that the countries and borders along the Middle Corridor can efficiently and securely manage greater volumes,” he added.

IRU has been working with its members and customs authorities to maximise the efficiency and security of borders along the Middle Corridor. The growth in trade volumes is putting pressure on already congested borders, markedly slowing down cross-border transport operations.

Earlier this year, Umberto de Pretto visited one of the key borders along the Middle Corridors: the increasingly congested Sarp-Sarpi border between Georgia and Türkiye.

“We’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of fully mobilising international harmonised instruments such as TIR and CMR, which are used in all countries along the Middle Corridor, to ensure the security and transparency of transit movements and reduce business costs,” highlighted Umberto de Pretto.

“Digitalising tried-and-tested instruments such as TIR would further help to handle the growing flow of goods without compromising security,” he added.

Umberto de Pretto also pointed out how long waiting times negatively impact driver shortages, stressing that truck driver shortages will not be solved without accelerating border crossings and improving working conditions. He also underlined that border authorities should focus on how long it takes drivers to cross borders, rather than the duration of the customs procedures.

“Inefficiencies are creating bottlenecks. Drivers are stranded for days at ports and borders, which is also resulting in huge financial burdens for traders and transport operators. Trade facilitation tools were developed for exactly this purpose: to streamline border operations. There is no good reason for drivers and goods to be stuck at borders for days,” said Umberto de Pretto.

“A vital gateway to markets, the Middle Corridor represents opportunities that span far beyond its geographical boundaries,” he concluded.

Umberto de Pretto also held high-level talks with H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The two discussed the importance of introducing the TIR system into the GCC Customs Law, as was done with the Authorised Economic Operator earlier this year.

The Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, attended by 1,200 participants from over 60 countries, was organised under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili.

Source IRU

13 OCT 2023 · PROSPERITY

Given Iran’s growing role in regional trade, IRU and Iranian customs explored avenues to further optimise border crossings and key corridors.

IRU’s Secretary General held high-level talks with Mohammad Rezvanifar, President of the Iranian Customs Administration, in Geneva on how to further enhance transport and transit in Iran.

Both sides discussed the latest developments in international logistics chain, particularly given Iran’s pivotal geographical position and its active role in the Economic Cooperation Organization region, which makes it a key transit country connecting east and west as well as north and south.

Regarding east-west corridors, Umberto de Pretto highlighted that the southern corridor connecting China to Europe via Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkey has great potential with high capacity. Streamlining border crossings and simplifying customs procedures, including by implementing best practices and global standards such as the TIR system, could reduce the costs and time of transport and optimise corridors crossing Iran.

Reducing physical controls by using the only global secure transit system, implementing TIR-EPD green lanes, digitalising customs documents, encouraging seamless transport rather than the transhipment of goods at borders, and transferring import and export customs formalities from borders to inland customs offices would reduce the congestion at borders and increase transit volume.

Both sides agreed to work together to streamline border crossings and facilitate transit in Iran, including by conducting a study on the challenges during transit to provide recommendations on how to increase trade and transit volumes.

Source IRU

18 OCT 2023 · PROSPERITY

IRU’s Secretary General unpacked pressing developments, particularly driver shortages and decarbonisation, facing the trucking industry in the United States and beyond at ATA’s Management Conference & Exhibition.

Umberto de Pretto outlined solutions to driver shortages and decarbonisation at IRU member the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA’s) 2023 Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) in Austin, Texas.

In conversation with ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, Umberto de Pretto said, “We need to strike the right balance between cutting CO₂ emissions and continuing to effectively meet demand for our services. And we certainly need to consider regional and national specificities, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. More importantly, carriers should have the freedom to choose what’s best for their operations.”

“We must also focus on actions we can take right now, such as driver training and eco-trucks. Two eco-trucks can transport the cargo of three standard trucks. Eco-driving training can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%,” highlighted Umberto de Pretto.

“Don’t get me wrong, these solutions are not easy to implement, but they are feasible measures that we can take right now to reduce CO₂ emissions,” he added.

Umberto de Pretto also touched on the importance of public-private partnerships. “Governments must support us and provide the investment and incentives needed for trucking companies in each region to decarbonise”.

Chris Spear and Umberto de Pretto then pivoted to chronic driver shortages. “Most regions are facing a growing shortage of truck drivers, which is posing significant risks to the supply chains that we all rely on. What is even more concerning is the low rate of young people entering the profession. The trucking industry has an ageing driver population that we must structurally address. The industry desperately needs more young people,” said Umberto de Pretto.

Umberto de Pretto also focused on a historical challenge facing truck carriers and drivers across the globe: long border queues.

“How can we attract and retain drivers, including women, given that drivers are often stranded at borders for days, sometimes weeks? How can we strive to reduce our CO₂ emissions while our trucks waste fuel inching ahead, ever so slowly, idling in seemingly never-ending queues? What makes it worse is that we have solutions, such as the TIR system. Countries in Asia and the Middle East are embracing TIR. But, unfortunately, the political will is not there in every country and region.”

Umberto de Pretto concluded his presentation by presenting Chris Spear with a special plaque marking IRU’s 75th anniversary and commemorating ATA and IRU’s long-standing partnership dating back to the 1960s.

Source IRU

5 OCT 2023 · PROSPERITY

Rather than taking 40 days by sea, the Milton Group transported goods from Europe to the Middle East with TIR – crossing 13 countries – in just nine days.

Goods are often transported from Europe to the Gulf Cooperation Council region by air or sea.

The Milton Group decided to try something different: road transport with TIR.

By opting for the only global transit system, TIR, the Milton Group was able to complete a 40-day maritime journey in just nine days.

The goods departed from Latvia and transited Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, Iran via the Bandar Abbas port and then to the United Arab Emirates using a Ro-Ro vessel and finally the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, before arriving at its destination in Kuwait.

Two drivers alternated to drive through the 13 countries according to regional driving and rest time rules.

As the only global transit system, the TIR system allowed the truck to seamlessly pass countries and customs along the way.

Milton Group CEO Katarzyna Kazmierska-Kassem said, “The decision to use TIR was a no-brainer. Without it, we would not have been able to offer a competitive transit time, nor deal with the transit formalities in each country individually. I don’t think this route is possible without TIR.”

IRU Director of TIR and Transit Tatiana Rey-Bellet said, “Congratulations to the Milton Group for accomplishing this remarkable TIR journey. TIR proved that Middle Eastern and European markets can be brought even closer, ultimately reducing not only transit times and costs, but also administrative and coordination burdens.”

“We also very much appreciate the critical role that IRU members played along the way in helping the Milton Group pioneer this route with the TIR system, cutting transport times between Europe and the Middle East by nearly 80%,” she added.

The Milton Group is not alone in mobilising the benefits of TIR to transport goods eastwards from Europe.

A Moldovan operator recently used TIR to transport goods from Europe to India via Türkiye and the Bandar Abbas port in Iran, connecting Europe to South Asia in record time.

What is TIR?

The TIR system enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs via a multilateral, mutually recognised system.

TIR streamlines procedures at borders, reducing the administrative burden for customs authorities and transport and logistics companies. It cuts border waiting times significantly, saving time and money.

Source IRU

4 OCT 2023 · PROSPERITY

The first meeting of the newly created “Economic Cooperation Organization-TIR National Associations Consultative Group (ECO-TIRACG)” reviewed the group’s key responsibilities as well as border optimisation opportunities.

The new group was created to provide inputs to ECO bodies on issues and challenges related to transport and transit. The group will be particularly focused on enhancing the benefits of TIR for both the public and private sector in the ECO region.

The secretaries general of IRU and ECO, Umberto de Pretto and Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, opened the meeting.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto welcomed the establishment of the group, “I am confident that this group will play an important role and contribute to ECO’s efforts facilitating international transport and transit.”

“The group’s inputs and recommendations to ECO and its relevant bodies could significantly help member states in taking decisions and pursuing policies based on facts and what is actually happening on the ground,” he added.

ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri said, “The role of the private sector in the development of transport connectivity cannot be overemphasised. We believe that the Consultative Group of ECO-TIR Issuing and Guaranteeing Associations will act as a much needed platform for a constructive public-private partnership and contribute to achieving the connectivity goals of ECO in the transport sector.”

During the meeting, the ECO Secretariat outlined transport and transit structures and bodies that ECO-TIRACG could provide inputs for consideration by member states.

The ECO-TIRACG meeting also looked at pressing border-crossing challenges, as well as solutions and border optimisation best practices, including TIR Green Lanes, intelligent queueing and e-queueing mechanisms, digitalisation, visa and permit facilitation, and the removal of repetitive and unnecessary customs controls.

The meeting ended with proposals on how public and private actors can work together to improve border crossings.

ECO-TIRACG was created following the ECO Ministers of Transport’s decision requiring its Secretariat to work with IRU to set up a group that provides inputs to ECO bodies on issues and challenges related to transport and transit.

ECO has ten member states: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Source IRU