IRU President Highlights Key Innovations and Challenges in Road Transport at PROLOG Conference 2024

At the 2024 PROLOG International Supply Chain Conference held in Tallinn, Estonia, IRU President Radu Dinescu addressed a diverse audience of industry experts, policymakers, and logistics professionals, shedding light on the pivotal innovations and challenges that are set to redefine the future of road transport.

During his keynote speech, Dinescu emphasized the pressing need for the road transport sector to adopt digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency. He pointed out that many truck drivers are still burdened with managing up to 50 paper documents, which hinders productivity and increases the risk of errors.

Dinescu stated, “With the continuous growth of trade and transport, it is imperative that we transition swiftly from traditional paper documentation to a comprehensive digital exchange of data concerning transit, transport, customs procedures, permits, and visas. This shift is more urgent than ever.”

He highlighted the European Union's initiatives, such as the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI), which aim to standardize digital practices across borders. This harmonization is crucial for simplifying cross-border transport, minimizing paperwork, and enhancing environmental sustainability.

In addition to digitalization, Dinescu raised concerns about the critical shortage of drivers that is impacting logistics networks globally. He noted, “The driver shortage is a persistent issue, particularly in Estonia, posing a significant risk to logistics chains. Currently, around 16% of truck driver positions remain unfilled in Estonia, and without decisive measures, this figure could escalate to 31% by 2028.”

Furthermore, Dinescu addressed the challenges of decarbonizing road transport, describing it as a substantial technical, operational, and business hurdle. He referenced IRU’s Green Compact research, which advocates for a dual strategy that combines efficiency improvements in logistics operations, vehicles, and driver management, alongside ongoing investments in alternative fuels and the necessary infrastructure and incentives to facilitate their adoption by transport operators.

The Association of Estonian International Road Carriers, a member of IRU, has been at the forefront of promoting safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly road transport since 1991, aligning with the goals outlined by Dinescu at the conference.