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There is a need to improve the system of handling imported finished goods
at ports and harbors in response to changes in Japan's industrial structure,
and also to take concrete steps to ensure the efficient physical distribution
of air cargo in view of the sharp increase in the volume of international air
cargo.
To meet consumer needs, the Ministry of Transport is now implementing measures
to accelerate "freight villa and document villa" projects, and also to institute
"trunk-room services and rationalize fares and charges with respect to consumer
physical distribution services such as the ever-growing door-to-door delivery
services (Fig. 13) and house-moving
services. In addition, the ministry is studying steps to improve international
house-moving services, which have expanded with the progress of intemationalization
of Japanese businesses.
In addition to the sophistication and diversification of the needs of physical
distribution, active cargo movements in recent years have brought about rising
demand foh manpower on the one hand, while changes in lifestyles have made it
increasingly difficult to secure an adequate workforce, young workers in particular,
on the other. In such circumstances, in order to provide appropriate, excellent
and stable transport services, countermeasures must be taken promptly, including
the improvement of the working environment.
In order to expand facilities that meet the sophisticated and diversified
needs of physical distribution, the Ministry of Transport is also forging ahead
with the construction of physical distribution modernization centers and basic
facilities for the sophistication of physical distribution. In addition, the
ministry is carrying out, in 15 model areas throughout the country, surveys
in preparation for the implementation of plans to construct "Physical Distribution
Network Cities," which will form the nucleus of local distribution services
and contribute to regional revitalization.
Distribution services are mostly handled by smaller enterprises, and they
have faced a severe management situation. To improve their management structure,
steps to modernize and sophisticate smaller distribution enterprises, and measures
to counter the recession are now being pushed forward.
With respect to the technology of distribution, measures to mechanize and
automate loading, unloading and sorting operations and to develop and introduce
railway freight transport technologies are being promoted in response to needs
of consignors.
Moreover, the Ministry of Transport will review regulations governing distribution
services from the standpoint of ensuring flexible and punctual distribution
services, and forming, at the same time, efficient distribution systems through
various transport services in response to the changing needs of distribution.
The ministry will also prevent activities that hinder the safety of transportation
and the maintenance of order in the industry. To this end, a bill concerning
trucking services and a bill relating to services candling trucking were enacted
into law in December 1989 in accordance with "opinions on what trucking services
and regulations governing complex integrated forwarding services should be,"
presented to the Distribution Subcommittee of the Council for Transport Policy,
the Ministry of Transport, "recommendations concerming the easing of official
regulations", submitted by the Provisional Council for the Promotion of Administrative
Reform, and the "Platform for the Furtherance of Deregulations". decided
at a Cabinet meeting.
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