On February 19, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism held an online seminar on returnable containers (RTIs) in international logistics, showcasing examples of initiatives to improve transportation using RTIs.
RTIs are reusable logistics containers designed to streamline cargo handling during transport and storage, and include flat pallets, cage trolleys, and returnable containers. They are expected to reduce costs by shortening handling times and reducing manual handling, as well as reduce CO2 emissions. In 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism formulated and published the "Guidelines for the Utilization of RTIs in International Logistics." Since then, the guidelines have been revised based on the development of international schemes and the demonstration of CO2 reduction effects.
At the outset, Takehito Makino, head of the International Logistics Division of the Logistics and Automobile Bureau, touched upon the government's policy of designating the period until fiscal year 2030 as a "period of intensive reform of logistics," stating, "While there are many benefits to promoting RTI (Resource Transport), there are also operational challenges. We hope that these case studies will lead to reductions in cargo handling at the site and increased efficiency in the supply chain."
<Makino Takehito, Director, International Logistics Division, Logistics and Automobile Bureau>
Four companies presented case studies. Denso explained that its group of 187 companies in Japan and overseas owns approximately 5 million reusable containers, which are used for import and export between 62 locations in Japan, Central and South America, China, Asia, and Europe. They explained that they achieve smooth operation through the standardization of containers, centralized management using data, and thorough enforcement of business rules at domestic and international locations.
Ichimura Sangyo, a company handling textiles and housing materials, is promoting the introduction of RTI (Resource Transport) in response to the decline in logistics companies that handle bulk cargo. By utilizing "S-RACK," a service developed by Toyo Transport, they have reduced manual handling by drivers through palletizing and racking. Toyo Transport aims to begin integrated international transportation using S-RACK by the first half of fiscal year 2026.
Furthermore, Japan Pallet Rental (JPR) presented a case study of integrated palletization between China and Japan by Komeri and Nippon Express. They stated that compared to bulk loading of 40ft containers, the devanning time was reduced by approximately 2 hours per container, and there was an effect of reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 170 tons per year compared to discarding wooden pallets.
Furthermore, XYZ Robotics presented case studies of its devanning robot "Rocky One," showcasing its use at Marubeni Logistics, Nitori Home Logistics, and Shigemitsu Shoji.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, in international logistics, priority is still given to loading efficiency, and cardboard boxes are often loaded loosely by hand. Amid labor shortages and an aging workforce, the ministry states that reducing manual handling through integrated palletization and the use of RTI (Resource Transport) and reducing environmental impact will be key to realizing sustainable international logistics.
