International Road and Transport Union (IRU)

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The International Road and Transport Union (IRU), founded in Geneva on 23 of March 1948, is the international organisation which upholds the interests of the road transport industry worldwide. Via its network of 180 national Member Associations in 70 countries across all five continents, it represents the operators of buses, coaches, taxis and trucks, from large fleets to individual owner-operators.

The IRU, which has a truly global vision, also acts effectively at a national and even local level through its national members. This presence is illustrated in its slogan: "Working together for a better future".

The IRU's mission is to facilitate road transport worldwide and, through its training arm - the IRU Academy - to use training to promote professional competence in the sector and to improve the quality of services it offers. It defends customers' freedom of choice between transport modes and the equal regulatory treatment of all modes. It works with its Members, to ensure the harmonious development of road transport and to improve its image. It represents the interests of the road transport industry to public authorities, private bodies and the media. It promotes cooperation and complementarity with other modes of transport.

Among its practical services to the industry, the IRU is the international guarantor of the TIR system that relies on the TIR Treaty, under which trucks are sealed by customs upon departure and can cross several borders without further checks until they reach their destinations.

The IRU's Constitution obliges it to work towards the twin goals of Sustainable Development and Facilitation of road transport. These two priority issues form the basic components of its working programme.

More about the IRU: International Road and Transport Union