Trainline and Virgin Atlantic investigated for drip pricing by UK CMA

 

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into Trainline and Virgin Atlantic over concerns that customers may not be shown the full price of travel products upfront.

The European Road Freight Rate Development Benchmark Q2 2026

 

Webinar, 11 August 2026, 15:00 (CEST) Understanding how road freight rates are evolving is crucial to make the best business decisions at every step of the supply chain.

iwitaxi’s Women Driving Women Is the Largest Female-Driver Rollout in Private Transfer History

 

In July 2026, Kiwitaxi launched the largest simultaneous deployment of a female-driver option in the history of private transfers: Women Driving Women, now available across 25 countries on four continents: 13 across Europe (Poland, Turkey, Portugal, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Montenegro, and Albania), seven in Asia (South Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka), three in Latin America (Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico), plus Australia. The rollout follows a test launch in November 2025.

Operators deeply concerned by worsening driver shortage: new IRU report

 

Geneva, 30 June 2026 IRU’s latest global driver shortage report finds that recruitment difficulties are worsening, with the shortage topping operators’ concerns across most surveyed markets.

2026 Connecting Europe Facility call delivers on key road transport asks

 Brussels, 25 June 2026

IRU welcomes the launch of the European Commission’s final Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport call under the current 2021–2027 EU budget, which provides dedicated funding for three long-standing priorities of the commercial road transport sector: alternative fuels infrastructure, external border efficiency and digital innovation.

EU military mobility: trust and legal certainty key for civilian operators

 

Brussels, 24 June 2026

IRU welcomes the progress made by the Council and the European Parliament on new EU rules to facilitate military mobility, while calling for stronger safeguards to ensure civilian road transport operators can effectively support defence logistics and mobility in times of crisis.

IRU calls for practical improvements to EU Industrial Accelerator Act

 

Brussels, 22 June 2026 IRU’s new position paper on the European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) calls for practical adjustments to ensure the framework strengthens industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation without undermining the road transport sector.

WeRide, Uber, and AVOMO bring Robotaxis to Madrid

 

WeRide, a specialized company in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. announced on June 2, 2026 their plans to launch Spain’s first commercial Robotaxi pilot in the Region of Madrid. It will mark the companies’ first joint entry into the European market.

EU urged to reach agreement on zero-emission heavy-duty proposal

Brussels, 12 May 2026

IRU and T&E call for urgent political support to secure a pragmatic compromise in the ongoing trilogue negotiations on the Weights and Dimensions Directive in coordinated letters to the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament’s lead negotiator, Rosa Serrano Sierra.

EU Parliament backs more predictable rules for mobile transport workers

 

Brussels, 7 May 2026 IRU welcomes the vote of the European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on the provisional agreement revising the coordination of social security systems at EU level.

Parliament backs more proportionate EU vehicle checks and pragmatic tolls

 

Brussels, 6 May 2026 IRU welcomes the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism’s (TRAN) support for key positions on the Roadworthiness Package and the revision of Eurovignette rules on CO₂ emission classes for heavy-duty vehicles with trailers.

European road freight contract rates climb as fuel prices surge

 

Geneva, 5 May 2026 The IRU x Upply x Ti report on European road freight rates in Q1 2026 reveals a divergence between contract and spot markets. Contract rates reached 140.1 index points, a solid 3.2-point increase quarter on quarter (q-o-q) and an 8.9-point increase year on year (y-o-y). Meanwhile, spot rates edged down slightly to 132.3 index points, falling by 2.8 points q-o-q and ending the period 2.0 points lower y-o-y.

IRU A big year

 

In motion May 2026

A big year War vividly demonstrates the resilience, flexibility and security that TIR brings to cross-border trade. With traditional routes disrupted, the Middle East is relying on road transport under TIR to keep essential goods moving.

EU crisis aid framework offers support, but national implementation is key

 Brussels, 29 April 2026 IRU welcomes the European Commission’s new Temporary Crisis Framework targeting several sectors most affected by the energy crisis, particularly the explicit recognition of the exceptional pressures facing road transport operators. However, Member State action remains key to turning the opportunities created by the framework into real support for the sector.

EU adopts clear and proportionate rules for transport emissions accounting

 

Brussels, 28 April 2026

IRU welcomes the European Parliament’s adoption of the agreement reached with the Council on the CountEmissionsEU regulation, establishing a common EU approach to emissions calculation for road transport. This marks the effective conclusion of the legislative process.

Fuel crisis: EU takes useful first steps, but plans must go further

 

Brussels, 22 April 2026 IRU welcomes the targeted transport measures, calls for clearer contingency planning should supply conditions deteriorate, and expects broader financial support through a separate State aid framework.

EES goes live, testing readiness at EU borders

 

Brussels, 10 April 2026  The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is entering into full operation across Schengen external borders, marking a new phase in its rollout.

Out the window

The war in Iran continues to disrupt trade and transport.

Countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia are relying on trucks to keep supply chains afloat.

EU Talent Pool opens new pathway to non-EU workers

Brussels, 30 March 2026  IRU welcomes the adoption of the EU Talent Pool as a step towards addressing labour shortages, including in road transport, but stresses that it must be accompanied by concrete measures to deliver results.

Fuel market shock: IRU urges EU action to keep logistics moving

 

Surging diesel prices and tightening fuel supply are putting EU transport operators under immediate pressure and risk disrupting logistics chains. IRU is calling on the European Commission to urgently coordinate an EU-wide response to stabilise fuel markets and ensure the continued flow of goods.