Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization Pledges Support in Resolving Border Truck Fleet Issues
The Deputy Minister and Chairman of the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization has reaffirmed commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the accumulation of truck fleets at the borders. Speaking on the matter, H.E. Akbari stressed that while RMTO is not directly in charge of this issue, has taken steps to assist drivers and truck owners in finding certain solutions.
According to Dr. Akbari was noted that over 6,000 trucks ordered and purchased by entities and individual applicants have been stranded at customs or at borders with Turkiye and Azerbaijan over the past year.
He attributed the delay to deficiencies in the legal processes surrounding order registration and foreign currency allocation, which have hindered the import and clearance of these vehicles, creating widespread dissatisfaction.
Dr. Reza Akbari also explained that the procedures for order registration and currency allocation are managed through the trade system under the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade, highlighting that, late last year, nearly 4,000 truck tractors from prior years faced similar delays, however were eventually cleared through coordinated efforts with the Inspecting Organizations, Tehran honorable Prosecutor’s bureau and other relevant entities.
The Deputy Minister further remarked that many of the remaining trucks outside Iran have no record of prior order registration, despite mounting pressure on state authorities to facilitate their entry. He stressed the importance of addressing these challenges, particularly in light of the country’s failure to implement effective scrapping processes for outdated trucks. Dr. Akbari called for adherence to Clause “P” of Article 59 of the 7th National Development Plan, which mandates the systematic scrapping of worn-out fleets.
Dr. Akbari further clarified that while, with all due respect, RMTO is left with neither direct nor somehow official responsibility for order registration, customs clearance or fleet importation, has proactively sought legal solutions to support drivers and fleet owners. Proposals to address the issue have been submitted to H.M. the First Vice President by Her Excellency the Minister of Roads and Urban Development and are currently under review.
Reiterating the urgent need for executive bodies to expedite decisions and actions to resolve the legal and procedural barriers preventing the clearance of these trucks. Dr. Akbari warned of the potential risk of the fleet being acquired by foreign entities, particularly the Turkish government, if timely action is not taken.
Despite its limited jurisdiction over the matter, RMTO will remain dedicated to safeguarding the rights of drivers, fleet owners and industry stakeholders. H.E. Reza Akbari reiterated that ensuring the modernization of Iran's road transport fleet and resolving the associated challenges are priorities for senior government officials as well as the honorable members of the Iran Parliaments
In concluding, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed RMTO's commitment to supporting the transport sector and ensuring that the rights of all stakeholders are upheld.
