Although the exact funding for this ambitious project has yet to be finalized, it is seen as a critical strategy for managing Japan’s logistics challenges. Government officials showcased a computer-generated video demonstrating a three-lane corridor, known as the “Auto Flow Road,” where large, wheeled boxes travel along a dedicated highway. Testing of the system is projected to commence in early 2027 or 2028, with full operation expected by mid-2030.
Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director overseeing initiatives at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, emphasized the need for innovative approaches to road logistics. He noted that this system would not only alleviate the burden on truck drivers but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The core concept of the Auto Flow Road revolves around a 24-hour automated and driverless transport system that will create dedicated spaces within the road network for logistics. While this idea may seem feasible in densely populated, low-crime countries like Japan, similar concepts are being explored in other nations, including Switzerland and the United Kingdom, which are considering their own automated transport solutions.
In Japan, the loading process will be automated using forklifts, integrating operations with airports, railways, and ports to streamline logistics further. The transport boxes designed for this system will measure 180 centimeters (about six feet) in height and 110 centimeters (3.6 feet) in width and length, roughly equivalent to the size of a large closet. This system is intended for commercial deliveries, with the possibility of expanding to additional routes in the future.
Despite these advancements, human drivers will still be required for the final mile of deliveries, although the potential for driverless technology remains a possibility. The driver shortage in Japan has been exacerbated by recent laws limiting the amount of overtime drivers can log, aimed at reducing excessive work hours and preventing accidents, a situation that has become known as the “2024 Problem” in logistics circles.
Government estimates predict that, without intervention, Japan’s total transport capacity could decline by 34% by 2030. Currently, the Japan Trucking Association reports that domestic transport capacity relies heavily on trucks, which handle about 91% of the total transport of approximately 4.3 billion metric tons.
In contrast, the United States grapples with its own transportation challenges, moving around 5.2 trillion ton-miles of freight annually, a figure expected to rise to 8 trillion ton-miles by 2050. A ton-mile represents the movement of one ton of cargo over one mile, providing a standardized measure of freight transport.
The surge in online shopping during the pandemic has further intensified demand for delivery services in Japan, with users rising from 40% to over 60% of households. This increase coincides with a declining birthrate, contributing to a shrinking workforce.
Truck drivers in Japan face significant challenges, often spending extended periods on the road, making the profession less appealing to potential job seekers. Annually, delivery truck accidents result in about 1,000 fatalities, a figure that, while improved from approximately 2,000 deaths in 2010, highlights ongoing safety concerns within the industry.
The Japan Trucking Association, representing around 400 trucking businesses and organizations, is advocating for safer delivery practices and encouraging consumers to bundle their delivery orders or pause them altogether. Industry experts are also urging businesses to limit free delivery offers, which contribute to increased demand and strain on the logistics network.
Professor Yuji Yano from Ryutsu Keizai University, who focuses on economics and logistics, highlighted the critical role of trucking in Japan’s economy, noting that trucks transport approximately 90% of the nation’s goods and supply around 60% of fresh produce from remote areas.
As Japan embarks on this innovative transportation initiative, it reflects a broader effort to modernize logistics and ensure that the nation’s economy remains robust in the face of evolving challenges.
