This study primarily focuses on how to attract maritime container cargo on to the Super-Hub Ports (Tokyo-Yokohama, Nagoya-Yokkaichi and Osaka-Kobe) in Japan. Shipper's route choice preferences were quantitatively analyzed among various maritime container routes such as direct routes to/from Japan and transshipment routes through Busan Port. As both domestic and international feeder container networks were summarized in and around Japan, we have found that the combined domestic and international pendulum feeder services can be afforded in the regional container ports where only a small demand is available. Consequently, we proposed the combined domestic and international pendulum feeder services through the Super-Hub Ports in order to effectively attract more container demand to/from Japan as well as East Asia.

Nishida et al (1998) examined the possibility of an Automated Freight Transport System as an ITPS research project. Later, based on the recommendation of the cost-reduction plan of 2003, it was decided to scale-down the design-width of the Second Tomei Meishin Highway from six to four lanes. This made it possible to secure right-of-way for the new freight transport system. With this background, this research examined the practical possibility of introducing such a system along the Second Tomei Meishin Highway.