Do International Road Transport Drivers Contribute Less to Economies?
At the 64th Management Council Meeting of BSEC-URTA, the focus was on visa regulations, particularly Schengen and similar restrictions affecting international road transport drivers.
While seafarers, aircrew and railway personnel benefit from specific identity documents and visa rights, road transport drivers face significant barriers that hinder their ability to work effectively.
Statistics highlight the critical role of international road transport. According to Eurostat in 2023:
**Exports from the EU:** 46% by sea, 28% by air, 26% by land, 0% by rail.
**Imports to the EU:** 58% by sea, 21% by land, 20% by air, 1% by rail.
Despite their essential contributions, global economies lack appropriate conventions for road transport drivers.
BSEC-URTA calls on its members and other countries to urge their Ministries of Labor to:
– Engage in International Labor Organization (ILO) meetings to support the creation of an “International Road Transport Drivers Identity Document.”
– Secure necessary backing from ministries, noting that ILO action requires consensus from workers, employers, and governments. Unlike seafarers, drivers operate within national jurisdictions, complicating their situation.
