Chapter 3. Aiming to Attain Smooth Cargo Distribution
Section 1. Adapting to Changes in the Social Environment Surrounding
Physical Distribution
Despite the current trend towards greater reliance upon truck transport,
the industry is confronting pressing restrictions: environmental problems, road
congestion, and labour shortages are all but worsening. It has, therefore, become
indispensable to promote modal shifts, mixed freight transport of truck, and
construct strategic bases for physical distribution.
Moreover, much could be done to curtail physical distribution costs and
smoothen the physical distribution flow by striving to deregulate physical distribution
businesses, establishing flexible price systems, and redressing trade practices
related to physical distribution. It is also of necessity to encourage freight
forwarders, who play a part in international multimodal transport, to make inroads
into foreign markets.
Section 2. Enhancing Modal Shifts
In order to further modal shifts with regards to main-line transportation,
the Ministry of Transport is upgrading the transport capacity of both ships and
railways, while constructing facilities and machinery such as containers, container
depots and pallets. Moreover, the Ministry is to implement fortified policies
universally, on the basis of the proposition set forth at the "Meeting to promoting
modal shifts in railways and maritime transport".
Section 3. Encouraging Integrated Cargo Transport
As for inter-city/inter-region transportation, policies to encourage integrated
cargo transport by business trucks are being pushed forward. In the cities, joint
pickup-and-delivery systems are to be established and spaces for the standing/parking
of trucks and disposal of goods are to be acquired in conformity with the recommendations
of the Council for Transport Policy in March 1994.
Section 4. Developing Physical Distribution Bases
The Ministry. of Transport is stepping up the construction of multimodal PD
bases with "Joint functions" re distribution processing and sophisticated infomation
processing. Moreover, import-infrastructures at ports and airports are being constructed,
including Foreign Access Zones (FAZ).
Section 5. Redressing the Freight Forwarding Business Law
The Ministry of Transport is promoting necessary measures for freight forwarding
business such as the development of fresh services and the filing permissions
under the report of the Council for Transport Policy in March 1994. [Fig.63]
