In organizations like the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the ITF represents the interests of unions representing transport workers. When member unions in one country are in conflict with employers or the government, the organization also informs and advises unions about developments in the transportation industry in other nations or regions of the world and organizes international solidarity actions.

The ITF has offices in Abidjan, Amman, Brussels, Singapore, Montreal, Hong Kong, Nairobi, New Delhi, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, and Tokyo in addition to its headquarters in London.

The constitution of the International Transport Workers' Federation governs the organization. ITF is run by an elected executive board that meets twice a year, according to the Constitution.