IRU outlines road transport innovation at PROLOG conference in Estonia

At the 2024 PROLOG International Supply Chain Conference today, IRU's President detailed the transformative changes ahead in road transport.

Addressing a gathering of industry experts, policymakers and logistics professionals, IRU President Radu Dinescu elaborated on both critical innovations and challenges shaping the future of road transport at the 2024 PROLOG conference in Tallinn, Estonia.

Radu Dinescu said, "There is a need to embrace digital technologies to drive efficiency in road transport. In some cases, truck drivers still have to carry up to 50 paper documents.

"With trade and transport continuing to grow, a swift transition from paper documents to a fully digital exchange of data on transit, transport and customs procedures, as well as permits and visas, has never been more urgent."

With EU initiatives like eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information), Radu Dinescu underscored the need to harmonise digital practices to streamline cross-border transport, reduce paperwork and improve environmental outcomes.

Beyond digitalisation, Radu Dinescu also addressed the alarming shortage of drivers affecting logistics networks worldwide.

"The shortage of drivers is a chronic problem, including in Estonia, and a significant threat to logistics chains. Today, about 16% of truck driver positions are unfilled in Estonia. But without significant action, Estonia's truck driver shortage is projected to reach 31% by 2028," said Radu Dinescu.

Radu Dinescu closed his intervention by discussing road transport's decarbonisation roadmap.

"Decarbonising road transport is an enormous technical, operational and business challenge. IRU's Green Compact research has shown that a dual approach is needed, combining efficiency measures for logistics operations, vehicles and drivers, and, at the same time, steadily investing in alternative fuels and the infrastructure and incentives needed to make them feasible for transport operators to use," said Radu Dinescu.

IRU member the Association of Estonian International Road Carriers has been advancing safe, efficient and green road transport since 1991.