On October 24th, which the Japan Light Cargo Logistics Association designated as "Light Cargo Day," they announced a new activity plan and five key priorities to address industry challenges.
Currently, the light freight industry is facing a complex crisis involving increased redeliveries, traffic accidents, and a multi-layered subcontracting structure. It is recognized that the root cause of these problems is a chronic shortage of drivers.
In order to pass on the industry as an "attractive industry" to the next generation, structural reform of the industry is essential, and five key issues have been set: "increasing wages and compensation," "optimizing working hours," "ensuring safe driving and health," "correcting the multi-layered subcontracting structure," and "raising awareness among the general public and users." The government has indicated its intention to start taking concrete actions.
The Light Cargo Logistics Association is an industry organization comprised of 90 light cargo companies and over 3000 independent contractor drivers who have contracts with those companies. Its motto is to operate on a non-profit basis with the aim of improving the visibility and status of the light cargo industry.
In 2023, they invited Noboru Matsuoka, former president of DHL Supply Chain, to serve as an advisor, aiming for the healthy development of the industry by implementing initiatives to eliminate traffic accidents in accordance with international standards and conducting training to improve driver quality.
