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Freight Transport Policy in Japan: Analysis and Measures

Explore the current state of freight transport in Japan, major issues faced, comprehensive policy, and recent measures to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Dive into data on volume, modal shift, logistics trends, and environmental challenges.

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Freight Transport Policy in Japan: Analysis and Measures

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  1. Freight Transport Policy and Measures in Japan Table of Contents 1. Current State of Freight Transport 2. Major Issues of Freight Transport 3.Comprehensive Freight Transport Policy 4. Examples of Recent Measures Yoshi Imanishi Public Planning & Policy Studies, Inc

  2. 1. Current State of Freight Transport in Japan

  3. (1)Freight Transport Volume Started to Level-off The freight transport demand in ton lifted increased rapidly during the high economic growth period up to 1990. Since then, it has remained stable. The freight transport demand in ton-km, traffic volume of freight vehicle and GDP have been growing proportionally. GDP at constant price, Freight volume and Traffic volume Freight volume transported (tons) declining 7 times larger Source: Freight Volume in ton-km: “Handbook for Traffic Economy Statistics for 2003” Traffic Volume in vehicle-km: “Traffic Statistics for 2003” GDP: Website of the Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office

  4. (2) Decrease in Freight Transport Volume: Economic Stagnation and Expansion of Service Industry Due to the expansion of the service industry and the slow growth of the economy, freight volume per GDP has been decreasing since 1970. The mainstream of the economy has been shifting from manufacturing to the service industry.  Ratio of employees by industry type  Freight volume per GDP (ton, ton-km) Source: “Report of the Labor Force Survey” Source: Freight volume in ton-km: “Handbook for Traffic Economy Statistics for 2003” GDP: Website of the Economic and Social Research Institute, Cabinet Office

  5. (3) Rapid Motorization in Japan up to the 1990’s Until around 1970, rail and marine transportplayed the leading roles in domestic freight transport. After this period, anincrease in freight transport by truck supported the high economic growth that lasted until 1990. There has been no major change in the modal-split in freight transport recently.  Transport modal share (ton-km transported)  Transport modal share (ton lifted) Source: Handbook for Traffic Economy Statistics for 2003

  6. (4) Enhancement of HGVs’ Load Efficiency Due to the growth in the size of freight vehicles and in the share of for-hire freight vehicles, the laden weight per vehicle has been increasing. So, freight transport is improving in efficiency by larger loads on each truck.  Average Laden Weight per Vehicle average loading capacity Source: “Handbook for Traffic Economy Statistics for 2003” and “Annual Statistical Report on Automobile Transport”

  7. (5) Advanced and Sophisticated Logistics Along with the industrial advances, the size of each parcel has become smaller and lead time has become shorter. In other words, small quantity and JIT (Just-In-Time) logistics is prevailing. There is more demand for quickness and punctuality. This trend will be a factor in increasing the freight vehicle traffic volume.  Parcel size changes  Increase infreight transport with designated delivery dates Data of Discussion Group for Logistics Policies (797 responses to a questionnaire for manufacturers and wholesalers in 1999 by Nippon Express Co., Ltd.)

  8. 2. Major Issues of Freight Transport in Japan

  9. (1) Traffic Congestion and High Proportion of Freight Vehicle Traffic Japan has two remarkable traffic characteristics: 1) Low travel speed on the general roads (as low as 20km/h in major cities) 2) High proportion of freight vehicle traffic (especially in major cities)  Comparison of traveling speeds  Proportion of freight vehicle traffic Source: Japan: “General Traffic Volume Survey of Road Traffic Census for 1994” U.K.: Adopted from government data France: Adopted from government data * : Proportion of Whole country are measured on ton-km basis. ** : Proportions of Tokyo, London and Paris are measured on vehicle number basis. They are calculated as the average proportion of freight vehicle traffic on the roads that are passing through each screen. Source: Japan: “Road Traffic Census for 1999” U.K.: Adopted from government data Japan: General National Highways, UK: A Roads

  10. (2) Environmental Problems The environment such as air pollution gradually improved recently. However, only 60% of measurement stations have fulfilled the environmental standard in major metropolitan areas. We still need to make efforts to improve the environment in our country.  Achievement Rate of Environment Standards (SPM) Designated areas* Nationwide Achievement Rate = No. of stations satisfying E.S. / Total No. of stations Source: “Air Pollution in Japan” Designated areas: Tokyo Metropolitan area, Aichi-Mie area and Osaka-Hyogo arae

  11. (3) Increasing Traffic Accidents Until around 1970, the number of traffic accidents was increasing sharply as road development could not keep up with the growing traffic demand. After that, efforts to implement road safety measures brought a decline in accidents. Recently, while the fatalities from traffic accidents have been decreasing, the number of accidents has been increasing. Source: “Traffic Statistics for 2003”

  12. (4) Low Usage Rate of Toll Expressways The expressways made a meaningful contribution to freight transport efficiency. However, in recent years the usage rate of expressways has been decreasing even as the length of expressways is extending. Due to advances in cost management resulting from the stagnant economy, transport businesses are making efforts not to use expressways, in order to avoid spending money on the tolls. Usage Rate of Expressway = vehicle-km on Expressway / vehicle -km on all roads Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport

  13. 3. Comprehensive Freight Transport Policy

  14. Outline and Targets of “New Comprehensive Program of Freight Transport Measures” In Japan, we have a “Comprehensive Program of Logistics Policies” that sets forth the basic principles of Japan’s logistics policies. It have been promoted to establish a logistics system where both economic growth and environmental improvement are possible. Goals of the New Comprehensive Program of Logistics Policies 1. Creating a logistics market that is internationally competitive in various aspects, including cost effectiveness 2. Constructinga market system that reduces environmental burdens and contributing to a recycle-oriented society Target Year: 2005 The Outline of the New Comprehensive Program of Logistics Policies In April 1997, the “Comprehensive Program of Logistics Policies” was approved in a Cabinet meeting. This program was specifically geared toward the realization of internationally competitive logistics services in various aspects including cost effectiveness by 2001. The “new Comprehensive Program of Logistics Policies” was made, before entering the targeted year of the previous program, to set the new goals based on the changes in situation since 1997 along with specific measures to achieve such goals.

  15. Numeric Targets of the Measures and Current Progresses “New Comprehensive Program of Freight Transport Measures” sets numeric targets and monitors progress toward those targets. Some targets are expected to achieve, however, some targets might not to achieve.

  16. 4. Examples of Recent Measures

  17. (1) Development of Arterial Road Networks  Nationwide Expressway Networks and Regional Ring Road Networks The expressway networks covering the whole country and the ring road networks designed to improve traffic congestion and the environment in major cities are under development. Although the construction started in the 1960s, it is still only about halfway completed.  Expresswaynetworks  Ringroad networks (Tokyo Area) Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport

  18.  Reduction in Distribution Costs resulting from Road Development The length of expressways and the total traffic capacity of arterial roads have been extending. Due to the road development, traffic congestion has been mitigated and expressway usage has increased, thus reducing freight transport costs to transport one ton for one kilometer (yen/ton-km).  Length of expressways and the traffic capacity of arterial roads. • Freight transport costs per ton-km (by trucks) the traffic capacity of arterial roads Decreasing Source: Road Traffic Census for 1999 Annual Report of Road Statistics Source: Estimated logistics costs based on the cost-benefit analysis manual with data of Road Traffic Census for 1999

  19.  Development of Access Roads to Airports and Ports Many of the airports and ports are not connected directly with expressways in Japan. To improve freight transport efficiency and the environment, the measures for direct accesses from expressways to airports and ports are being implemented.  Access rate of expressways to major airports and ports (International comparison)  Example: Development of access roads to airports and ports in Nagoya 91%84%61% 61% The target percentage is 80% – 90%. Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport

  20. Fusehata entrance/exit To Miki City Kobe Logistics Center Kobe Distribution Center To Akashi Kaikyo Bridge To Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (2) Development of Distribution Center  Example :Kobe Distribution Center The development of distribution centers is on the way in the areas around expressway entrances and exits. Those distribution centers have function both as a truck terminal and as a place for business activities. Kobe Distribution Center The Kobe Distribution Center has been in service since 1984, and the Fusehata Interchange of the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway opened in April 1998 inside the center. The center plays an important role as a distribution complex, located near the metropolitan area, with access to well-developed transportation facilities, such as an expressway network. Private sector investment targeting interregional logistics was brought in, and economic activity in this area was boosted by this distribution center.

  21. (3)Traffic Controls for HGVs  Case 1 - Designated Roads for HGVs The maximum gross vehicle weight for vehicles that can travel on any road is 20 tons. Selected parts of the overall road network have been improved for larger vehicles to use. The maximum gross weight allowed to travel is 25 tons on designated general roads and 36 tons on national expressways. • Designated Road Network in Tokyo Area (As of the end of FY 2003)  The length of the road and the proportion of vehicles allowed to travel (As of the end of FY 2003) Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Designated road: Current status of road networks: oversize/ overweight vehicles can travel

  22.  Case 2 - Permission System for over-sized/over-weight Motor Vehicles The GVW limit of vehicles that can travel on general roads without any restriction is 20 tons, which is lower than European standard. To drive a vehicle heavier than 20 tons GVW, it is mandatory to apply for permission. In order for permission to be granted smoothly, a computer system is in operation. This system searches the routes available for such vehicles and provides the drivers with the route information. Anyone who drives an over-sized/over-weight vehicle is required to apply with the relevant road administrator for traveling permission (Article 47-2-1 of the Highway Act). The driver shall carry the permission while driving. There are various ways of applying for the traveling permission, including online application. -Online application The applicants can complete the necessary documents and submit them online at office or at home via internet. Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport

  23. Information display Data transmitter Registration number reader Vehicle length/width detector Vehicle height detector Vehicle weight detector  Case 3 - Automated Monitoring System for Over-sized/Over-weight Vehicles To control the traffic of vehicles with specifications exceeding the legislative limits, an automated device has been installed on a trial basis. This device measures the axle load, height, width, and length of passing vehicles, without stopping them. A device called an “Automated Measuring System for Over-sized/Overweight Vehicles” was implemented in November 1997 on the Route 43 of National Highway, Hyogo Prefecture. This device operates 24 hours a day to measure the specifications (axle load, weight, length, width, and height) and the number plates of passing vehicles with specifications exceeding the legislative limits. It also gives a warning through the information display to the drivers of vehicles with axle loads considerably exceeding the limit. <Result> Displaying warnings for violators from September 1998 did bring about a certain degree of desirable effects on traffic control of large vehicles (The following graph shows the result in Oishi of the Nada district on the Route 43.). Source: Website of Road Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport

  24. (4) Environmental Management Aichi and Mie areas Tokyo metropolitan area Osaka and Hyogo areas  Reduction of HGVs’ Burden on Environment (Measure # 1) In order to improve air quality, vehicles that fail to fulfill the NOx and PM emission standards are prohibited from traveling in the three major metropolitan areas. To encourage the replacement of such vehicles with the vehicle that meet the emission standards, these local governments provide partial financial support for purchasing new vehicles. National level: The Automobile NOx & PM Control Law Local level: The Diesel Vehicle Regulations Vehicles failing to fulfill the NOx and PM emission standards are prohibited to be registered within the major city areas (Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka) that have severe air pollution. Since October 2003, diesel vehicles failing to fulfill the PM emission standards have been prohibited from traveling within Tokyo and the three neighboring prefectures. Areas subjected to the Automobile NOx / PM Control Law 1. Financial support for the purchase of vehicles powered by natural gas, LG, gasoline, or diesel fuel is provided. 2. The local government designates a device for lowering PM emissions to the level determined. Stickers of evidence areprovided to the vehicles with such devices.

  25. Coastal areas Coastal areas Price A Price A Price A > Price B Price A > Price B Price B Price B Diversion Diversion Residential areas Residential areas  Reduction of HGVs’ Burden on Environment (Measure # 2) - Environmental Road Pricing Environmental road pricing has been implemented in Tokyo and Osaka costal areas. The toll rate for the route passing through the coastal area is lower than the toll rate for the route passing through the inland. Environmental road pricing intends to divert the HGVs from inner cities, to coastal areas with fewer residents, therefore reducing the environmental burden on inner city areas. The Metropolitan Expressway “Environmental road pricing” is aimed at diverting traffic concentrated in residential areas of inner cities to coastal areas by applying price differentiation between neighboring toll roads. Tokyo Yokohama Regular toll price 1200 yen Reduced toll price 950 yen

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