Tokyo Ryutsu Center (TRC) has launched its "CLO Support Unit" in August with the aim of solving logistics challenges, and it has begun operations. With the revised Logistics Efficiency Act coming into effect in April 2026, TRC will be strengthening its internal structure and working to support the activities of Chief Logistics Officers (CLOs), who will be required to be appointed by certain-sized shippers.
<Exterior view of Tokyo Distribution Center>
The establishment of a CLO (Corporate Logistics Officer) is mandatory for certain shippers handling more than 90,000 tons of cargo annually. Companies that fail to appoint a CLO may be subject to a fine of up to 1 million yen, and failure to notify the authorities of the appointment may result in a penalty of up to 200,000 yen.
According to Sho Iwatsuka, section chief (Sales Department) in charge of the CLO Support Unit, many tenant companies in TRC ask, "What is CLO?" However, with only six months left until the implementation in April 2026, TRC has launched a CLO support business with the aim of creating something that only TRC, which has offices within the facility, can do to address the gap between national policies and the reality on the ground.
<Section Chief Iwatsuka>
Participation in the support unit is open to a wide range of companies, not just tenant companies. Specific activities planned for this fiscal year include seminars on legal awareness, technology introductions contributing to logistics efficiency, and information on subsidies. The unit will also provide follow-up support, such as preparing government reports, including the medium-term management plans and activity reports required of CLOs.
We will also interview each company about their challenges in addressing the requirements of shippers and logistics operators under the revised Logistics Efficiency Act, such as improving loading rates and reducing waiting and handling times, and, if necessary, we will act as an intermediary to connect them with companies participating in "TRC LODGE," which is operated at TRC's logistics tech showroom.
"TRC LODGE" was established in October 2020, and as of August 2025, 31 companies (as of August 2025) are participating, including those in the fields of robotics and AI. Yuichiro Inaoka, Operations Manager (Operations Management Department), said that in conjunction with the activities of the "CLO Support Unit," they want to "work closely with customers and provide added value."
<Inaoka, Operations Manager>
Located in Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo, TRC boasts a near 100% occupancy rate due to its excellent location, serving as a transit and last-mile hub. While there are currently few issues with waiting times for loading and unloading as a TC-type center, many companies are concerned about improving loading efficiency, citing issues such as "no return loads."
In May 2025, TRC established the "Heiwajima Autonomous Driving Council" and began initiatives to address social issues in the logistics industry, including conducting demonstrations of autonomous driving within the premises. The council is also participating in "TRC LODGE" and held its first autonomous driving seminar for tenant companies on September 22nd.
"We hope that the CLO Support Unit will lead to the realization of joint transportation and delivery and an increase in loading efficiency. We want to convey the message through our activities that a proactive approach can enhance corporate value, rather than viewing logistics facilities as cost centers," says Inaoka, operations manager. With technological innovation and CLO support working in tandem, an initiative aiming to solve social issues from the ground up has begun in Heiwajima.
