# International Road Transport Union (IRU)

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> The International Road Transport Union (IRU), founded in 1948, is the global trade association representing road transport operators – freight carriers, bus companies, and their national associations – before governments and international bodies.

The International Road Transport Union (IRU), founded in 1948, is the global trade association representing road transport operators – freight carriers, bus companies, and their national associations – before governments and international bodies. Its most prominent role in freight is administering the TIR system: the TIR carnet, issued under IRU guarantee, allows trucks to cross multiple borders under internationally recognised customs seals without depositing fresh security at each crossing. Beyond TIR, the IRU works on harmonising professional driver qualifications, advancing electronic transport documents, and setting sustainability benchmarks for road freight. It holds consultative status with the United Nations and engages directly with bodies such as the EU, UNECE, and the WTO.

**Source:** [https://www.iru.org](https://www.iru.org)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | International Road Transport Union (IRU) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 111 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.iru.org |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-road-transport-union-iru](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-road-transport-union-iru)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/international-road-transport-union-iru](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/international-road-transport-union-iru)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/international-road-transport-union-iru/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/international-road-transport-union-iru/llm-summary?lang=en)*