Innovations in Road Transport
Road transport is currently undergoing constant change due to digitalisation. According to the annual report of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2023, the implementation of new technologies is making freight transport faster, safer and more sustainable.
The TIR Digital Leap
One of the most striking points in the report is how the digitalisation of the TIR system is shortening transit times and reducing costs, as well as improving transport safety. In Central Asia, thanks to the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), data exchanges between companies and customs have been completely digitalised.
Greece: An Example of Innovation
Greece, for example, has taken a major step forward by adopting the e-CMR protocol, which eliminates the use of paper documents in the transport of goods. This change has cut costs, eliminated administrative delays and reduced errors at delivery points, with collaboration between the IRU and the Hellenic Road Transport Federation being highlighted as key to this achievement.
Environmental Impact and Efficiency
The digitalisation of the TIR system is improving efficiency and safety, as well as having a significant environmental impact. A study carried out together with DB Schenker showed that using TIR for the transport of refrigerated goods in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75%.
