Alexandru Arba
Research expert covering Japan
Road freight transport industry in Japan - statistics & facts
Trucking is arguably the most important segment of the logistics industry in Japan, as trucks are used to carry over 90 percent of cargo volume transported domestically. Trucking offers flexibility compared to other modes of transport and is often used for short-distance transport, while long-distance hauls are done by ships, where applicable. Trucks commonly carry out the last leg of a cargo's journey.
To be able to transport the vast volumes of freight handled in Japan, the industry employs a sizable fleet of trucks of various sizes. Not all trucks are owned by businesses. In fact, privately owned trucks are much more numerous in Japan than business-owned trucks. Despite this, commercial-use trucks carry the lion's share of road freight.
Almost half of the cargo transported by trucks is related to the construction sector. Private-use trucks contribute slightly more than business-use trucks to this segment, but are less relevant in the transport of manufacturing-related freight and consumption-related freight. Foodstuff and groceries represent the item category with the highest transported volume in the consumption segment, while machines represent the leading item category in the manufacturing segment.
The industry is heading towards a crisis, if serious measures to counter the aging and declining trucker workforce are not implemented. Improving the working conditions for drivers and other people involved, would be a first good step to ensure that future generations feel attracted to road freight transport, and that the industry segment can continue to provide essential services.
What kind of cargo is being transported?
Most companies in the industry are classified as general trucking businesses, offering basic transportation services. Such companies typically transport dry freight, standard-sized goods that do not need specific treatment. The trucking industry also provides services for irregular freight, such as bulk freight (e.g. grains and other commodities transported in bulk), heavy hauls, such as machinery, temperature-controlled freight, and hazardous freight, to name just a few.Almost half of the cargo transported by trucks is related to the construction sector. Private-use trucks contribute slightly more than business-use trucks to this segment, but are less relevant in the transport of manufacturing-related freight and consumption-related freight. Foodstuff and groceries represent the item category with the highest transported volume in the consumption segment, while machines represent the leading item category in the manufacturing segment.
Workforce shortage is exacerbating
Despite its pivotal role for Japan's economy, a workforce crisis that has been present for a prolonged period of time and is exacerbating by the year is plaguing the road freight industry. Trucks offer flexibility, as mentioned before, but also necessitate a lot of personnel, relatively speaking to other modes of transport. This circumstance does not go well with Japan's declining population and its labor force deficiencies, especially considering that the scarcity of labor in Japan is affecting industries that struggle to maintain attractive work conditions disproportionately. The trucking industry is among the most affected industry branches, as the workload for truckers is incredibly high, and the wages are considerably below the national average, despite the extra working hours. It is a stressful work environment that also records a high number of work accidents and work-related deaths, making it an unattractive workplace.The industry is heading towards a crisis, if serious measures to counter the aging and declining trucker workforce are not implemented. Improving the working conditions for drivers and other people involved, would be a first good step to ensure that future generations feel attracted to road freight transport, and that the industry segment can continue to provide essential services.
