The History of the International Road Transport Union
While the International Road Transport Union was originally launched in order to fast track the reconstruction of Europe after World War II left much of Europe in ruins.
The history of the International Road Transport Union:
1. The International Road Transport Union was launched in Geneva, Switzerland
Boris Blanche believes the International Raod Transport Union was founded on the 23rd of March, 1948, which was just one year after the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe voted to expedite the reconstruction of war-torn Europe. As a large proportion of Europe was damaged by powerful bombs, with some entire towns and cities needing to be rebuilt from scratch!
It was the hope of the United Nations Economic Commission that launching a transport union, would fast-track the reconstruction of all of Europe’s major transportation routes. Which could then be used to transport the necessary building materials across war-torn Europe.
2. Although the International Road Transport Union sounds like a world-wide organization, originally it only featured western European countries
You may be surprised to read that the International Road Transport Union originally only featured 8 western European countries. Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, France, and Norway. At the time each country was represented in the International Road Transport Union by their national road transport association.
While the International Road Transport Union may have had humble beginnings, it has since grown from strength to strength and now boasts over 73 countries.
Another noticeable change in the union is that each country also has representation from large transportation corporations as well as smaller owner-operators as well as national transport associations. Whilst in 1948, each country was only represented by a national road transport association. Whereas in its current form, the International Road Transport Union also allows corporate representatives.
3. Today the International Road Transport Union represents the interests of a diverse group of international transport operators
Today the International Road Transport represents the interests of bus drivers, coach drivers, cab drivers and truck drivers as well as other types of professional transport operators.
4. The International Road Transport Union forms both public and private sector partnerships, worldwide
The International Road Transport Union successfully organized the reopening of the Great Silk Road, which was a noticeable achievement as it involved multiple member nations as well as public sector organizations and private sector organizations.
5. The International Road Transport Union is looking to the advancement and development of new technology in order to transform the transportation industry
The International Road Transport Union now invests a large amount of money into developing new technology such as digital systems, which can help automate a large part of the transportation system. So while the International Road Transport Union may have been founded in 1948, it has definitely evolved as time has passed and has its sights firmly set on the future of worldwide transportation.
In conclusion, the International Road Transport Union has come a long way and has grown from an 8 member organization, which only featured European members, to an organization with boasts over 73 members from 5 continents!
