International Road Transport Union
The International Road Transport Union (IRU), based in Geneva, is the world umbrella organization for the road transport industry. Today the association has 180 member associations in 73 countries and represents members from the areas of road freight transport, company transport and passenger transport.
The bodies of the IRU work closely with the European Union , make proposals and start initiatives in certain selected actions in the road transport industry. On behalf of the UN, the IRU manages the customs agreement on the international transport of goods with the TIR Carnet (TIR Convention) and the customs documents are issued by the national IRU member associations in currently 57 countries. Radu Dinescu is the president and Umberto de Pretto is the general manager.
history
The International Road Transport Union was founded in Geneva on March 23, 1948, one year after the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), to accelerate the reconstruction of war-torn Europe by facilitating international road transport.
The IRU started through the group of national road transport associations, which consisted of eight Western European countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Globally, the IRU represents its members in 73 countries on 5 continents today the interests of bus, bus, taxi and truck operators from large transport fleets to individual owners or operators. It aims to research and offer solutions to road traffic problems and to help in the synthesis and simplification of transport regulations and in transport practice.
activities
IRU is based at 3 rue de Varembé, 1211 Geneva 20.
The IRU works on solutions to make the world a better place and to move goods and people by supporting trade, economic growth, jobs, security, the environment and communities.
The activities include:
- Partnership between all of its active and associate members and with related organizations and industries to define, develop and promote activities of common interest
- Monitoring all activities, legislation, policies and events that have an impact on the road transport industry, responding to and working with all stakeholders;
- strategic reflection on the global challenges of energy, competition and social responsibility, based on the strengths and expertise of its members, distributed through the IRU commissions and working groups;
- Dialogue with intergovernmental bodies, international organizations and all other actors involved in the road transport industry, including the general public;
- Working with policymakers, lawmakers and influencers to contribute to informed and effective legislation and to strike the right balance between the needs and interests of all;
- public-private partnerships with the relevant authorities to implement legal instruments such as the TIR Convention within the framework of the mandate of the United Nations or concrete transnational projects such as the reopening of the Silk Road;
- Communications on the tasks and importance of the road transport industry, its position on various topics and reliable data and information;
- Providing practical services and information to road transport companies, such as the latest fuel prices, waiting times at borders, secure parking, professional training, legislative developments, legal assistance, etc.
- Training courses to promote professional competence in the sector, improve the quality of the services offered and ensure compliance with road transport standards through the IRU Academy