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The importance of distribution services in the national life is rising as
a result of the increased transport of goods in smaller packages and with greater
frequency and of the rise in public needs for higher-quality services. In response
to these needs, the distribution industry has to develop various services with
high-added value and provide such services to the public.
In these circumstances, the consumer distribution service is expected to
further develop in the future by creating latent demand in response to diverse
public needs.
Specifically, the consumer distribution service includes the following: 'takuhaibin'
(delivery of parcels from door to door), international takuhaibin, sales only
through catalogues and newspaper advertising (including takuhaibin of local
specialties), house-moving service and trunk-room service. All these agents
have rapidly grown in recent years. (Figs.
12&13)
In order to see the consumer distribution market develop soundly, it is
necessary to protect consumers' interests and help increase their confidence
in services provided by forwarding agents.
For this purpose, the Ministry of Transport instituted a standard contract
form for the takuhaibin service in September 1985, one for the trunk-room service
in May 1986, and one for the house-moving service in October 1986. Standard
fares and rates for the house-moving service were also set in October 1986.
The claim settlement system has also been strengthened.
The international takuhaibin service has made remarkable progress against
a backdrop of rising needs for the international delivery of small packages
consigned by business firms. Various measures, including the establishment of
an association of forwarding agents, have been taken to see this industry develop
soundly, so that general consumers can use this service easily.
The consumer distribution service is expanding to sales only through catalogues
and newspaper advertising, including the direct delivery of local specialties.
It is therefore necessary to respond adequately to these diverse developments
in consumer services.
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