The global professional driver shortage has become a structural threat to freight transport, according to the latest International Road Transport Union (IRU) Driver Shortage Report. Presenting the findings during a webinar launching the report, IRU Director of Certification and Standards Marianne Kervyn warned that, with nearly 3 million vacancies worldwide and an ageing workforce expected […]
A major step forward for gender inclusion in the transport sector was taken at this year’s IRU General Assembly in Geneva, where members formally adopted the Charter for Women in Road Transport. The new global Charter sets out a clear framework of principles designed to increase women’s participation across the commercial road transport industry, addressing […]
Across Canada, 2025 consolidates a clear move towards uniform enforcement, digital oversight, and stronger fatigue accountability. While the core federal and provincial rules are largely familiar, the expectation placed on professional drivers has increased significantly. Regulators now focus on consistency, accuracy, and shared responsibility between drivers and operators. In short: 2026 is about compliance that […]
Across Africa, 2025 reflects a gradual but important shift towards stronger road safety oversight, fatigue awareness, and professionalisation of commercial driving. While regulatory frameworks still vary significantly between regions and countries, the overall direction is clear: greater accountability for drivers and operators, particularly in long-distance and cross-border transport. In simple terms: 2026 is about raising […]
Across South America, 2025 is characterised by a steady tightening of enforcement, stronger safety expectations, and wider use of digital evidence. While regulatory frameworks still differ by country, authorities are clearly moving in the same strategic direction: fatigue reduction, professional standards, and operator accountability. In practical terms, 2026 is less about brand-new laws and more […]
Across Australia and New Zealand, 2025 consolidates a decisive move towards risk-based enforcement, fatigue accountability, and shared responsibility. The headline is not brand-new rules, but clearer expectations, stronger audits, and tighter alignment between drivers and operators. In short: 2025 is about demonstrable fatigue management and professional driving standards.
Across Asia, 2025 is defined less by one single regulation and more by a regional shift towards professionalisation, digital monitoring, and safety-led enforcement. While rules still vary widely between countries, the direction of travel is consistent: stronger oversight, higher expectations for drivers, and increasing use of technology to manage fatigue and risk. In short: 2025 […]
2025 represents a practical enforcement shift for professional truck and bus/coach drivers in the United States. While there have been no wholesale rewrites of the federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules, regulators are applying tighter oversight, stronger data use, and clearer accountability across commercial operations. In simple terms: 2025 is about enforcement quality, not regulatory […]
2025 marks a clear turning point for professional drivers across Europe. While many of the core EU social rules remain unchanged on paper, the practical reality on the road has shifted decisively. Enforcement authorities are now fully focused on technology-driven checks, historic data analysis, and driver–operator accountability. In short: 2026 will be less about new […]
The European Union has decided not to introduce mandatory purchase quotas for zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, following strong and coordinated opposition from the road transport sector. This marks a significant policy shift and is widely seen by industry organisations as a pragmatic step towards a more realistic, market-driven transition. Industry Mobilisation Delivers Results