A general review of the IRU set up and operations, information on the principles and advantages of the TIR convention and a discussion of issues such as safety in TIR transport and the IRU’s internal procedures, which will now be officially represented by the Atto, were included in the seminar.

The seminar was opened by Alan Xuereb of Euris Consult Ltd, which is the leading consultant for Atto. In his speech, Dr Xuereb insisted that Atto’s aim is organising the local TIR sector in line with standards and procedures enacted in mainland Europe, which is the main area targeted by Maltese trailer operators.

The IRU was founded in Geneva on 23 March 1948, and has local and global reach through its 180 members in 67 countries.

Through its national associations, the IRU represents the entire road transport industry worldwide. It speaks for the operators of coaches, taxis and trucks, from large transport fleets to driver-owners. In all international bodies that make decisions affecting road transport, the IRU acts as the industry’s advocate.

By working for the highest professional standards, the IRU improves the safety record and environmental performance of road transport and ensures the mobility of people and goods. Among its practical services to the industry, the IRU is the international guarantor of the TIR carnet system under which trucks are sealed by customs upon departure and can cross several borders without further checks until they reach their destinations.

The IRU takes the initiative in making sure that vehicles are safe, clean, efficient, and economical in fuel consumption; encourages sound fleet management, strict vehicle maintenance and good working conditions for drivers; helps to make roads safer and less congested; seeks improvements in the environmental performance of vehicles; maintains close working relationships with the competent national, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations; works for harmonisation and simplification of procedures affecting road transport; alerts the industry to changes in national and international legislation; and strives to lift the barriers to international transport and trade.

Atto was registered as a trade union under Maltese law in 1986. Among its primary objectives are those of monitoring, safeguarding and promoting the general interests of entities engaged in the transport of goods by road to and from Malta, and of promoting the consideration and discussion of all questions affecting the road haulage industry in general.

As such, its membership consists of Maltese road haulage companies whose equipment is registered in Malta and are engaged in the transport of goods by road from Malta to overseas destinations and vice-versa.

As a member of the IRU, Atto has been appointed the national TIR Guaranteeing Association, and is thereby entrusted with the implementation of the TIR Convention in Malta.