Formed in 1958 the International Group, with over 300 members, is the oldest and largest RHA specialist group. Full membership of the group is open to RHA members who hold a Certificate of Professional Competence for International Haulage and RHA associate members engaged in activities allied to international haulage.
The group provides information - including a near real time newsflash service - advice and offers facilities for members to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest, as well as pooling knowledge and best practice. It maintains formal and informal communication with government, its agencies, logistics trade bodies such as: BIFA, AOCC and the Chamber of Shipping and organisations representing all matters affecting international operators including customs, trade simplification and immigration.
A working relationship is maintained with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in Geneva and Brussels and with the European Commission in Brussels. The RHA is represented on six IRU working commissions and working groups. This is particularly important at a time when there are competing pressures for Europe to liberalise or become more nationalistic.
When elected, group members have to give active support to the group's objectives, contribute an annual subscription to a special purposes fund and accept the provisions of the group's Code of Conduct. All members are eligible to stand for election to the group committee that is re-elected every two years.
Members attending group conferences discuss topics of current importance and to listen to private and public sector speakers from industry and the wider international logistics community. It is normal for at least one conference to be held abroad.