Challenges of Japanese Trucking and the Use of Digital Technology

Abstract

Japanese trucking is in a sustainability crisis due to sluggish transportation demand, low profitability of trucking companies, ageing drivers, and lower compensation to drivers despite long working hours. This study surveyed interviews of stakeholders in trucking to research what perspectives those involved in the transportation supply chain reacted to the crisis, including the use of digital information, which is considered one of the effective solutions. The survey results show that the promotion of digitalized information is not so much for the sake of trucking companies in crisis but rather for improving efficiency for shippers in sending and receiving cargo. The survey also revealed that this is due to the transaction relationship between shippers and trucking companies and between trucking companies who share transportation tasks.