Japan is embarking on an ambitious plan to tackle its truck driver shortage by building a revolutionary "conveyor-belt road" connecting Tokyo and Osaka. The innovative system aims to address labour shortages, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.
A Groundbreaking Concept
The conveyor-belt road, also known as the "auto-flow road," is designed to transport giant containers mounted on pallets along a secure, blocked-off section of the highway. Automated forklifts will handle loading and unloading at both ends, creating a 24-hour unmanned transportation system.
According to AP News, the Japanese government plans to begin trial runs by 2027 or 2028, with full operations targeted for the mid-2030s. Spanning approximately 320 miles (515 kilometres) between Tokyo and Osaka, the project is estimated to cost ¥3.7 trillion (around £20 billion or $24 billion).
How It Will Work
The innovative system is expected to replace the daily work of 25,000 truck drivers, per Japan News. Containers transported on the conveyor-belt road will measure 180 centimetres in height and 110 centimetres square—comparable to a large wardrobe. This design ensures compatibility with existing logistics networks, including airports, ports, and railways.
Yuri Endo, a senior official from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, emphasised the importance of innovation in addressing logistical challenges. "We need to rethink how we approach roads," Endo said, adding that the system would also significantly cut carbon emissions.
The Dire Truck Driver Shortage
A recent study by the Nomura Research Institute predicts that Japan will face a 36% shortfall in truck drivers by 2030. The number of drivers is expected to decline from 660,000 in 2020 to just 480,000 by the end of the decade. According to Kyodo News, this shortage could result in one-third of all cargo going undelivered, potentially causing an economic loss of £61 billion ($76 billion) annually.
Contributing factors include Japan's ageing population and new labour laws implemented in April that limit the number of overtime hours truck drivers can work. Kazuyuki Kobayashi, a logistics expert at the Nomura Research Institute, said, "Improving logistics efficiency is critical to avoiding severe economic consequences."
A Global Perspective
While Japan's conveyor-belt road is a first of its kind, similar automated systems are being explored worldwide. According to VOA News, Switzerland is considering self-driving pods operating on underground pathways, and London is evaluating systems powered by low-cost linear motors.
Japan's conveyor-belt concept appears particularly well-suited to its densely populated, highly organised cities. Automated forklifts will integrate seamlessly with Japan's extensive logistics infrastructure, ensuring efficient loading and unloading processes.
Challenges Facing the Industry
The trucking industry in Japan has long struggled to attract workers due to the demanding nature of the job. Long hours, time away from home, and safety concerns make it an unattractive career choice. However, the industry has made strides in improving safety, with truck-related fatalities dropping from 2,000 annually in 2010 to around 1,000 in recent years, according to Ryutsu Keizai University.
The conveyor-belt road could revolutionise Japan's logistics industry, offering a sustainable solution to pressing economic and environmental challenges. If successful, the system could be expanded to other major routes, and advancements in driverless technology may eventually eliminate the need for human operators altogether.
However, human drivers will still be essential for last-mile deliveries. Experts, including Yuji Yano, a professor at Ryutsu Keizai University, stress the importance of balancing technological advancements with societal needs. "This isn't just a transportation issue; it's a human issue," Yano said.
