FIATA President drives collaboration at IRU General Assembly: On the road to logistics excellence

On 6 June 2024, FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin, attended the World Road Transport Organisation (IRU) General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, which gathered key players from the international road transport sector to discuss the industry's future.

President Erkeskin emphasised the pivotal roles of freight forwarders as architects of logistics, engaged in various critical functions: 

• Coordination and Planning: Ensuring efficient logistics management.
• Documentation and Compliance: Facilitating smooth international shipping.
• Risk Management: Mitigating disruptions to enhance reliability.
• Cost Efficiency: Optimising shipping costs for sustainable operations.
• Capacity Management: Predicting and managing volume for seamless operations.

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between road carriers and freight forwarders to ensure the seamless movement of goods: 

• Long distance transport: Trucking is one of the most accessible and tailored service to the immediate needs of the shippers.
• Last-Mile Delivery: Road transport operators play a crucial role in the last-mile delivery of goods. Effective coordination between freight forwarders and road transport operators ensures timely and efficient delivery to the final destination.
• Flexibility and Adaptibility: Road transport offers flexibility in routes and schedules, which is vital for accommodating changes in demand and handling unforeseen disruptions.
• Real-time Communication: Effective communication between freight forwarders and road transport operators is necessary for real-time updates on shipment status. This communication helps in proactive decision-making and resolving issues promptly.
• Minimising empty returns: By optimising routes, predicting demand, forming partnerships, and utilising technology, freight forwarders can significantly reduce empty mileage, enhance road carriers’ operational efficiency, and improve overall profitability.

Collaboration between these stakeholders, he stressed, is indispensable for ensuring the seamless flow of goods, particularly in response to dynamic market demands and unforeseen disruptions.

"The role of freight forwarders in the supply chain is indispensable, and their cooperation with road transport operators is essential for achieving enhanced visibility. By integrating technology, sharing data, and leveraging collaborative platforms, these stakeholders can improve decision-making processes, leading to greater efficiency, better customer service, and a stronger competitive position."
- FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin

President Erkeskin's message resonated beyond the assembly halls, encapsulating the shared vision of FIATA and IRU in driving industry innovation and resilience. As they collectively navigate challenges such as driver shortages and digital transformation, illuminating the path towards a future where logistics transcends expectations. Together, they forge ahead, united in their mission to overcome challenges and unlock new frontiers of possibility in the dynamic realm of logistics.