Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight) announced on December 12th the details of its timetable revision to be implemented on March 14, 2026. In response to the growing demand for modal shift, the company will improve the convenience of container trains by increasing transport capacity on major routes, including between Tokyo and Osaka, as well as expanding its large container network and strengthening its business continuity plan (BCP) measures.
For container trains departing from Tokyo Freight Terminal to Osaka (Osaka Freight Terminal, Ajikawaguchi, Suita Freight Terminal, and Kudara Freight Terminal), a transport capacity equivalent to 475 12-foot containers will be secured, an increase of 135 containers. In addition, some trains will be made faster.
<Increased and faster service for container trains from Tokyo to Osaka>
For the route from Nagoya Freight Terminal to Fukuoka Freight Terminal, the transport capacity will be increased by the equivalent of 30 containers.
<Transportation capacity will also be increased for routes from Nagoya to Fukuoka>
For container trains connecting Sendai Freight Terminal with Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, the transportation system will be reorganized to strengthen transport capacity.
<Transportation capacity to be strengthened between Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka through reorganization of the transportation system>
We will set up extra trains between Niigata and Osaka, which are frequently requested by customers, and operate them during periods of high demand.
<Extra trains will be scheduled between Niigata and Osaka>
The expansion of the large container network involves increasing the transport routes using 31-foot containers, which are roughly the same size as large trucks.
To strengthen the Business Continuity Plan (BCP), the operating sections for AC/DC electric locomotives will be expanded to increase the capacity for detour transport in the event of a transportation disruption.
In addition, six EF210-type DC electric locomotives, container handling machinery, and newly manufactured containers will be introduced.
