Critical Shortages in the Truck-Driving Industry

Abstract

This paper considers the causes of the serious understaffing problem within the Japanese truckdriving industry from the viewpoint of the worker. Since the easing of regulations in the 1990s, the number of truck companies has increased, producing excessive competition. The result of this has been a drop in fares, as well as in the standard wage within the industry. Working hours are considerably longer than in other industries, and the incidence rate of workplace accidents comparatively high. The low wage standard means that it is common for drivers to attempt to obtain an average income by working overtime, and thus the low wages and long working hours are interconnected. This working environment has led to the serious understaffing problems the industry currently faces. From 2013 on, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MITI) has been making concrete attempts to improve this situation. This paper discusses the strategies MITI uses to encourage a more ‘decent’ fare and deal with affairs affecting the consigners.