International Organizations and Associations Affecting Road Transport:
Duties and Responsibilities of UNECE, CEMT-UBAK, IRU, SECI, and FIATA
Many organizations and international entities play a significant role in international road transport. Agreements established within or via these organizations guide international trade and regulate the procedures and operations of road transport. Generally, their primary goals include elevating standards in road transport, disseminating industry-specific information, enhancing safety in transportation, and accelerating the transition to environmentally friendly processes. Türkiye is either already a member of these international organizations or aims to join them.
Major Organizations in Road Transport
UNECE: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) consists of various committees and hosts working groups such as “Combined Transport,” “Road Traffic Safety,” “Inland Transport Committee,” “Transport of Dangerous Goods,” and “Transport of Perishable Goods.” Major agreements resulting from negotiations in UNECE’s Inland Transport Committee, which European Union countries also adhere to, include:
- CMR Agreement: Concerning the International Carriage of Goods by Road. This agreement, to which Türkiye is a party, has been in force since October 30, 1995.
- TIR Convention: Concerning the International Transport of Goods under the Cover of TIR Carnets. Türkiye accepted this agreement in 1985, and it is still valid today.
- ADR-European Agreement: Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. The ADR came into effect on January 29, 1968. Although Türkiye has taken steps to join this agreement, it has not yet been enacted in Türkiye.
These agreements are crucial for regulating and enhancing the safety of the logistics and transport sectors. Particularly, they play a critical role in the transportation of dangerous goods and the safe and orderly conduct of international trade.
SECI: Southeast European Cooperative Initiative
The Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI), formed with the participation of 11 countries and supported by UNECE and ECMT, aims to facilitate border and customs transitions in road transport and increase total trade volume among the participating countries. Since 1999, a “Memorandum of Understanding” has been in force among the participating countries.
In the logistics sector, smooth and rapid border transitions provide time and cost savings. Therefore, the efforts of initiatives like SECI are crucial for the efficiency of logistics operations.
ECMT: European Conference of Ministers of Transport
Founded in 1953, the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) aims to harmonize European customs and transport regulations and facilitate border transitions. Türkiye is among the founding countries of ECMT. The organization’s priority agenda items include the development of transport, environmental protection, and road traffic safety.
ECMT documents ensure that logistics and transport companies operate according to international standards. These documents enhance the quality and safety of transport operations, boosting the competitive edge of companies.
IRU: International Road Transport Union
The International Road Transport Union (IRU), established in Italy in 1948, represents the global transport sector. IRU, with 151 members in 68 countries, aims to ensure that goods and passenger transport processes are environmentally friendly, secure, and of high standards. One of its primary functions is to guarantee goods transport under the TIR system.
IRU’s duties include ensuring safe road transport practices, promoting the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and technologies, and removing obstacles in international trade and transport processes. These duties are vital for sustainability and efficiency in the logistics sector.
FIATA: International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations
Founded in 1926 in Vienna, FIATA is a non-governmental organization representing over 40,000 freight forwarders and logistics companies in 150 countries. FIATA aims to announce new developments to the industry, set standards to improve the quality of freight forwarding services, and represent the sector in international negotiations.
FIATA’s work is essential for setting professional standards in the logistics sector and facilitating efficient international trade.
Representative Institutions in Türkiye
Several institutions represent the road transport sector on the international stage in Türkiye. Besides the Ministry of Transport and Customs Consultancy, the International Transport and Logistics Service Producers Association (UTİKAD), the International Transporters Association (UND), and the Ro-Ro Ship Operators and Combined Transporters Association (RODER) represent the country.
These institutions defend Türkiye’s interests in the logistics and transport sector on international platforms and contribute to the sector’s development.
International Transport Services with TURU Logistics
With our distinguished business partners and advanced technology, TURU Logistics makes full-load and partial-load transports much easier, faster, and more efficient. Offering the best prices for your logistics needs, document tracking, and accessible location tracking support, you can carry out your road, sea, or intermodal transports to more than 40 countries with TURU Logistics. With our tracking system, you can monitor the location of your cargo 24/7 and share it with your customers. Our online document tracking service allows you to access all journey-related documents with a single click and complete the processes online.
Efficiency and safety in the logistics sector are keys to customer satisfaction. At TURU Logistics, we work according to international standards to provide the best service to our customers. With our innovative solutions and professional team, we are here to meet your logistics needs.
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Republic of Turkey.