Logistics companies in Japan are moving to combine their freight truck operations amid an industry-wide shortage of drivers as the economy recovers.
Yamato Transport, Seino Transportation and six other companies have set up a committee to study possible collaboration, according to Nikkei Report.
As early as the fall, the group, which also includes Tonami Transportation, Sapporo Express, Meitetsu Transport, Chuetsu Unso, Daiichi Freight System and Kanda, plans to begin sharing cargo space and sorting sites on a trial basis as early as the fall. Based on this, they will decide how to split costs.
A nationwide association of logistics companies will implement the initiative. Other carriers, such as Sagawa Express and Nippon Express, will be encouraged to take part as well.
Trucks handle about 90 percent of domestic freight transport.
About 60 percent of the carriers had anticipated a labour shortage between April and June, according to an industry survey. And drivers are ageing as well. By collaborating with peers, the carriers will work to maintain quality service while curbing costs.
The joint operations will be employed on routes that include small and mid-size cities. Trucks hauling freight along these routes often have under-utilised cargo space on return trips.
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