European discussions on subcontracting are putting a question to transport operators: when a load passes through several companies, who is responsible for the driver and the work? Subcontracting is part of everyday haulage. It helps operators cover peaks in demand, serve routes outside their own network and keep customers’ goods...
For a local delivery company or a regional service provider, a minor accident can disrupt an entire week of operations. Beyond physical vehicle damage, a collision sidelines drivers, forces missed appointments, damages customer trust, and drains valuable administrative hours. Every vehicle in a small fleet represents a critical share of...
Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational, bringing digital border records to journeys into and out of the Schengen area. For Irish hauliers, its practical impact depends on the nationality of the driver behind the wheel. The system began a phased rollout in October 2025 and became fully operational...
Europe’s leading truck manufacturers have warned that the conditions needed to meet the European Union’s 2030 CO₂ targets are at least three years behind schedule. The chief executives of Europe’s seven largest truck and bus manufacturers issued the warning during a joint appearance at IAA Transportation in Hanover. While reaffirming...
Europe’s freight transport sector is moving steadily towards a paperless future as the European Union prepares for the full implementation of its Electronic Freight Transport Information system, known as eFTI. From 9 July 2027, authorities in every EU member state will be required to accept regulatory freight information submitted electronically...
The International Road Transport Uniuon (IRU) has welcomed the European Commission’s new Fair Labour Mobility Package, saying simpler qualification rules and greater digitalisation could help the road transport sector tackle its continuing shortage of professional drivers. The package includes measures covering social security, recognition of skills and qualifications – including...
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has joined Transport & Environment in calling for renewed political leadership to accelerate the transition to zero-emission trucks, buses and coaches across Europe. In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the two organisations have called for the establishment of...
European road haulage rates increased sharply in the second quarter of 2026 as operators sought to pass rising fuel and operating costs on to customers. The latest IRU/Upply/Transport Intelligence European Road Freight Rate Benchmark shows the contract rate index reaching 148 points, up 7.9 points quarter-on-quarter and 15.2 points year-on-year....
Europe’s HGV driver shortage has reached a critical new level, with approximately 502,000 truck-driving positions currently unfilled. But the headline figure may only tell part of the story, as Europe’s ageing driver population points towards an even more serious capacity problem before the end of the decade. The latest IRU...
Germany has notified the European Commission that checks at all nine of its land borders will continue from 16 September 2026 until 15 March 2027. The affected borders include France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria and Switzerland. Irish operators travelling through Germany should allow for unpredictable inspections,...
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on amendments to the Eurovignette Directive. The Directive sets the framework for road tolls and user charges for vehicles across the EU. The agreement provides greater clarity to hauliers, national authorities and toll service providers on application while supporting consistent...