While many companies have made progress in reducing their environmental footprint, the social and human rights dimension of value chains often remains overlooked. A pertinent example of where that is visible is in the road transport sector, where drivers often continue to face poor working conditions and, in some cases, violations of fundamental rights.
A Collective Effort for a Better Supply Chain
Facilitated by CSR Europe, the Responsible Trucking platform unites logistics providers, shippers, and retailers in a shared mission: creating a socially responsible supply chain.
Through risk management tools, robust guidelines, and peer learning, Responsible Trucking helps companies:
- – Identify and address social risks in transport operations;
- – Strengthen their Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) strategies;
- – Boost long-term business value by improving driver retention, ensuring more reliable transport operations, and enhancing reputation with customers and regulators
In other words, investing in better working conditions is not just about compliance, but also about securing a resilient and competitive supply chain.
Addressing Key Human Rights Risks
To comply with legislation and strengthen operations, companies must ensure that the following practices no longer occur in their transport value chains:
- – Recruitment fees paid by drivers to secure employment;
- – Employment contracts not available in the driver’s native language;
- – Lack of medical support or helplines;
- – Drivers spending weekends in their trucks without appropriate rest facilities;
- – Coercion
Our Integrated Approach
Responsible Trucking focuses on two core pillars:
- – Truck Transport Social Guidelines (TTSG): These guidelines, co-developed with members, set the standard for social responsibility in trucking. Regularly updated, they ensure companies can cascade consistent expectations throughout their supply chains, including subcontractors.
- – Driver Surveys – The Spot Check Tool (SCT): Conducted directly with drivers, these surveys provide real insights into working conditions, human rights, and facility standards. Results lead to concrete corrective actions.
In autumn 2025, the SCT expanded beyond Europe for the first time, reaching truckers in Brazil and Canada. This global step will give members a wider perspective on risks and improvement opportunities across their operations.
Sharing Knowledge to Drive Improvement
One of the platform’s most valued features is its Sharing & Learning sessions where members exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and develop solutions together.
At the latest session, companies explored strategies for social audits, comparing lessons learned and practical approaches. The results will feed into a report with actionable recommendations for companies seeking to strengthen audit practices in their transport value chains.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collective Impact
Responsible Trucking collaborates actively with EU institutions and international organisations such as ESPORG, ESC, and IRU. By joining the ESPORG Well-being Pledge, supported by the European Commission and over 43 signatories, the platform amplifies the voice of drivers and strengthens the call for systemic change.
A Call to OEMs: Seize the Opportunity
As key players in global value chains, OEMs have a pivotal role to play in transforming the road transport sector. By joining Responsible Trucking, OEMs can:
- – Ensure compliance with evolving EU regulations
- – Secure more stable and motivated driver workforces, reducing costly turnover and delays
- – Demonstrate leadership in building a fair, future-ready supply chain
- – Collaborate with peers and stakeholders to set industry-wide benchmarks
Joining Responsible Trucking is not just about reducing risks, it’s about unlocking business value through responsibility. Together, we can drive meaningful change, ensuring that sustainability in transport is not only about carbon, but also about people.
For more information, please reach out to Romeo Tubertini at rt@csreurope.org
