Japan is planning to establish an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka to address a shortage of truck drivers and reduce carbon emissions. The “conveyor belt road” project aims to start trial runs by 2027, with full operations expected by the mid-2030s.
This system will utilize automated, unmanned transportation, reducing reliance on human drivers amid a shrinking labor force.
The automated cargo corridor will integrate with airports, railways, and ports, with human drivers potentially required only for last-mile deliveries initially.
Japan’s trucking sector is facing the “2024 problem” due to new regulations limiting driver overtime, which could significantly decrease transport capacity by 2030.
The project was motivated by a surge in delivery demand during the pandemic and aims to improve the efficiency and safety of cargo transport in Japan. By embracing automation, Japan seeks to modernize its logistics infrastructure, address labor shortages, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The successful implementation of this project could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges in their transportation and logistics sectors.
