The International Road Transport Union (IRU) assists truck, bus, coach and taxi operators throughout the world and briefs them on developments affecting their business. Through its national associations on every continent, the IRU speaks for the entire road transport industry.

The objectives of the IRU are to bring together member associations representing professional good hauliers; steer EU legislation so that goods transport operations can be carried out efficiently and under fair and harmonised competitive conditions; react in the interest of the road haulage industry to initiatives by EU institutions; defend the position of professional goods transport regarding EU policies, in particular with respect to fiscal matters, social and technical harmonisation; influence legislative changes at the EU and national levels regarding qualification requirements for transport personnel such as managers, drivers and other staff of road transport companies.

Contact

Wim SMOLDERS

Wim Smolders joined the IRU as a Brussels Permanent Delegate in 1985, after seven years with the Dutch International Road Haulage Organisation, NIWO.

Particular responsibilities include social affairs, technical ant IT matters, infrastructure charging, road safety and environmental affairs. In recent years, the increased interest at EU level for the social aspects of road transport policy (sector social dialogue, working time rules, digital tachograph, driver licensing, vocational training, third country drivers, health and safety at the workplace, etc.) made Mr Smolders concentrate on these issues.

e-mail: wim.smolders@iru.org