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Trade and transport are again challenged by geopolitics and conflict. More turmoil in the world is once more causing severe disruptions to transport flows. Operators are also feeling the jump in fuel prices. In North America, the industry is adamant that the revision of the region’s trade agreement should avoid changes that require legislative approval. Trucks transport 80% of goods traded under the agreement. Meanwhile, at the UN transport committee meetings in Geneva, we reinforced that simplifying, harmonising and digitalising how goods and people move are key to stronger global trade. Keeping up with these developments is crucial for operators to make informed decisions and stay ahead in a chaotic world. And for the latest road freight performance in Europe during these uncertain times, along with insights to anticipate demand shifts and protect margins, join our upcoming webinar. |
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“Road transport’s resilience is crucial in times like these. People need us for the vital passenger and goods transport services they depend on every day,” UMBERTO DE PRETTO, IRU Secretary General Keeping people and Goods Moving – Why UK Commercial Vehicle Drivers Need a Schengen Exemption Editorial from Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director €505 billion. That’s the value of UK–EU goods trade – goods moved across borders by road freight. The EU is the UK’s biggest goods trade partner. The UK is the EU’s largest market after the USA and China, and the one it runs its biggest trade surplus with. In an increasingly volatile world, that relationship matters. Getting it right can support economic growth, job creation and regional security. But the relationship can be stronger. Goods trade remains around 18% lower since we left the EU, and we see pressures in our sector pushing those in the UK road freight sector away from international work. The RHA supports the UK–EU Reset negotiations but is also making clear that supply chain capacity and resilience must be addressed if progress is to be meaningful. Drivers are central to that. The UK needs to recruit 40,000 drivers a year to maintain the workforce, while the EU faces a shortage approaching 500,000 due to an ageing workforce. That’s why we were in Brussels meeting the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Home Affairs to argue for better access for British drivers. We continue to campaign for a professional drivers’ exemption from the rule limiting non-EU nationals to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area. Removing that restriction for road freight, van and coach drivers would help keep goods and people moving across UK–EU supply chains and tourism. The EU’s new Visa Strategy recognises the value of highly mobile professions like truck drivers. With support from our partners at IRU, we were pleased to make that case in Brussels and will continue pushing for change. |