On the 19th-21st of November, the International Road Federation participated in the Economic Commission for Europe’s Working Party on Intermodal Transport and Logistics. In attendance was a wide range of diverse actors from around the globe, contributing to lively and informative discussions that will help to promote better and more efficient transport worldwide.

A main focus of the working party was a workshop held on the 20th of November. Focusing on operational challenges of regional intermodal transport and innovative solutions, this workshop centred on inter-modality logistics and main corridors between Europe, Russia Federation and China (South and East Asia). Major illuminated issues was the lack of efficient modes of transport between Western Europe and Asia. Presenters demonstrated successful solutions that they have implemented in their home regions, providing a wealth of knowledge for attendees to use in their own activities.

Other discussions during the working party centred on the necessity of universal application of the CTU (shipping container guidelines) and TIR (rules for transport systems). As we are nearing the end of the Decade of Action for Road Safety, CTU has become a hot topic of discussion. Adoption and implementation of the CTU ensures the safest standards for the movement of containers by various means of transport, promoting safety for both the transporters as well as those travelling near the shipping container. CTU guidelines also ensures the safety of the goods being transported, eliminating product depreciation from mishandling damage. The TIR promotes financial and time saving benefits, significantly decreases delivery time, and improved utilization of containers.

This year’s Working Party on intermodal Transport and Logistics was an important milestone for the trajectory of the road sector. With increasing emphasis on road safety while incorporating efficient, cost effective, and sustainable solutions, attendees were able to walk away with new skills and ideas to be implemented in their respective sectors.

If you would like to learn more, please contact the IRF secretariat at info[@]irfnet.ch.