Japan to Implement Automated Transport to Tackle Driver Shortage, Emissions

Japan is embarking on an ambitious plan to construct an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, informally dubbed the "conveyor belt road." This initiative is designed to address the country’s acute shortage of truck drivers, exacerbated by recent labor regulations limiting overtime for drivers, a situation referred to as the "2024 problem."

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While the specific funding for this innovative project has yet to be determined, it represents a key strategy to manage the increasing demand for deliveries. A computer-generated video released by the government illustrates the concept, showcasing large wheeled containers traveling along a dedicated three-lane corridor integrated within a major highway. The first test runs of this system are slated to begin in 2027 or early 2028, with the goal of launching full operations by the mid-2030s.

Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, emphasized the need for innovation in transportation infrastructure. "We need to be innovative with the way we approach roads," she stated. The proposed auto flow road is designed to alleviate the pressure of a shrinking workforce and to reduce the burden on drivers while also contributing to a decrease in carbon emissions.

The auto flow road aims to create dedicated logistics spaces within Japan's road network, employing a 24-hour automated and unmanned transportation system. This concept, while seemingly tailored to Japan’s unique socio-economic context, has sparked interest in other countries, such as Switzerland and Great Britain, where similar systems are being contemplated. Switzerland's plan involves an underground transportation route, while London's proposal features a fully automated system using low-cost linear motors.

Loading processes for the automated cargo will be managed by forklifts and will coordinate with major transportation hubs such as airports, railways, and ports. The containers themselves will be approximately six feet tall and three and a half feet wide and long, resembling large closets.

This system is primarily intended for business deliveries, but it may also be expanded to other routes in the future. Although the technology aims to automate much of the transportation process, human drivers will likely still be needed for last-mile deliveries to customers’ homes, although there may be potential for driverless technology to eventually handle these tasks as well.

The shortage of truck drivers in Japan is a growing concern, particularly following the implementation of labor laws that limit overtime, which have been deemed necessary to prevent overwork and accidents. Current projections indicate that Japan's overall transport capacity could decrease by 34% by 2030, given that more than 91% of the country’s domestic transport relies on trucks, according to the Japan Trucking Association.

In contrast to the U.S., where freight transportation is significantly larger in scale, Japan’s domestic transport capacity stands at around 4.3 billion metric tons. In comparison, the U.S. transports approximately 5.2 trillion ton-miles of freight annually, with projections suggesting this figure will rise above 8 trillion ton-miles by 2050.

The demand for deliveries surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the percentage of Japanese households using delivery services rising from about 40% to over 60%, even as the country grapples with a declining birth rate and a shrinking population.

Truck drivers in Japan face demanding jobs, often requiring them to be on the road for extended periods, which can deter potential new entrants into the workforce. Annual fatalities from delivery truck accidents have remained around 1,000 in recent years, although this is an improvement from nearly 2,000 in 2010. The Trucking Association, which represents around 400 trucking companies and organizations in Japan, aims to further enhance safety in delivery operations.

In addition to advocating for better working conditions for drivers, the association encourages consumers to consider their ordering habits, suggesting they bundle orders or limit requests for free deliveries to alleviate the strain on the logistics network. Given that trucks transport around 90% of Japan's cargo and a significant portion of the country's fresh produce, addressing the "2024 problem" is not just a logistical issue but a broader societal challenge. According to Yuji Yano, a professor at Ryutsu Keizai University, the situation highlights the need for solutions that address both transportation infrastructure and workforce sustainability.