In the APEC region, a considerable amount of freight continues to be shipped by road.
According to the International Transport Forum (ITF), just nine APEC economies accounted
for 84 percent of worldwide inland freight transport 2011. Promoting road and vehicle safety
standards for heavy vehicles carrying freight on medium and long hauls thus plays a crucial role
in supply chain performance in the region. Effectively addressing this issue requires a
comprehensive approach that includes strategies directed toward improvements with the driver,
the vehicle, and the road system. As noted in Appendix 6 to the “2013 Annual Report to
Ministers,” these strategies might include driver behavioral modification, regulatory measures for heavy vehicle standards, and infrastructure modernization programs.