Japan government targets logistics efficiency

A range of new incentives announced by the Japanese Government aim to minimise the economic impact of driver shortage on the logistics sector.
Nikkei Asian Review (NAR) reports that through revised logistics legislation, the Government has approved 15 plans as eligible for tax breaks and subsidies and up to 2 million yen ($23,400) will be allocated to 15 projects aimed at formulating efficiency plans. It is hoped that the Government’s support of the private sector’s projects will improve labour productivity by 20 per cent.
Many projects centre on moving cargo transport to rail. NAR shared that Senko will switch from road to rail for shipping apparel, saving 1,500 driver hours annually, while Sagawa Express and others will switch to rail from air for transporting fresh produce, taking advantage of new containers that can maintain freshness longer.