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The distribution industry is endeavoring to offer new forms of service in answer to the advanced and diversified needs of customers. The Ministry of Transport is carrying out a variety of measures for activating this industry by stimulating the vitality and creativity on the part of the industry.
Distribution service for general consumers is making remarkable progress,
mainly in "takuhaibin" (door-to-door delivery service of parcels) (Fig.
19), mover service and trunk-room service. The Ministry of Transport is
taking a number of steps for consumer protection. It is also advocating the
idea of "freight villa." This is a system for storing furniture and other household
appliances not in use in depopulated areas, etc. and transporting them back
to their owners when need arises by takuhaibin or other means of transport.
(Fig. 20)
In the area of international distribution, international intermodal transport
and international takuhaibin are making rapid progress. As for the former, efforts
are being made to improve the environment of activities of freight forwarders
(Fig. 21), while import by individuals
utilizing this service is encouraged. (Fig.
22)
To make information systems better is important in the area of distribution,
too, for more efficient operation of business and better service. New information
systems, VAN (value-added network) for distribution and "SHIPNETS" (Shipping
Cargo Information Network System), have thus been introduced. The Ministry of
Transport is also taking measures for this purpose; for example, it is conducting
experiments on joint transport utilizing information systems.
To encourage the introduction of distribution technologies, a foundation
named Japan Information Center of Physical Distribution Technology was created.
This Center collects and makes available information on distribution technologies
and trains manpower specializing in these techniques.
The construction of a terminal for modernization of distribution is also
planned. This terminal will have, besides traditional transport functions, mainly
consolidated and transshipping service, the functions of processing of products
in their distribution and data processing. A more advanced idea, called "plan
of constructing infrastructure for advanced distribution," is also advocated.
This idea aims to construct high-rise distribution facilities and equip these
facilities with such high value-added functions as offices and training facilities,
in addition to the functions of the above-mentioned terminal.
Distribution companies are mostly small in management scale and are faced with difficulties in operation. To help them improve their structure, the Ministry of Transport is taking steps for modernization and against recession and oversupply.
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