At a recent meeting at IRU headquarters in Geneva, stakeholders from the U.S. and global trucking industries discussed and compared solutions to major challenges affecting road freight transport operations.
The issues facing the U.S. trucking sector, such as chronic driver shortages, ambitious decarbonization goals, inefficient driver training, and insufficient secure parking, are similar to those seen in other regions. These challenges were the focus of discussions between representatives from IRU, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the International Labour Organization, and IRU member the American Trucking Associations during the event in Geneva.
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, in his opening remarks, noted, “The U.S. trucking sector faces similar challenges—such as driver shortages and inadequate conditions for achieving decarbonization targets—that IRU and its members are addressing globally.” He added, “It makes sense to explore solutions collectively, as the solutions are often similar, despite regional differences.”
The meeting aimed to encourage international collaboration and knowledge sharing among key trucking stakeholders. By drawing on the expertise of each organization, the event promoted dialogue, mutual understanding, and paved the way for joint efforts to build a safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable trucking sector.
The event also allowed FMCSA to increase its international presence and engage with global research and regulatory efforts. Next steps include exchanging information and data on driver training programs, initiatives for younger commercial drivers, and best practices for decarbonizing the trucking industry using readily available measures.