Section2 Advanced Road Traffic Services

The Increase in Efficiency of Freight Distribution

Efficiency of freight distribution which was harmonized with environment and road preservation

Heavy vehicles support freight distribution in Japan

Domestic freight distribution increased approximately 1.6 times in the 29 years from 1970. Commercial operation vehicles showed a particularly large increase of approximately 3.6 times in this period, accounting to as for most of the increase.
In Japan, trucks account for 33% of all traffic, which is a larger share than in European countries and the USA. Therefore heavy vehicles thus play a key role in freight distribution in Japan.
Since the use of heavy vehicles improves the transportation efficiency and reduces costs, their use is likely to increase further.

Changes in percentage of transportation mode (tons and kilometers transported)


Graph image:Bar chart
Reference: Annual of Land Transport Statistics

The majority of freight transportation is by heavy vehicles for business.

Commercial vehicle ratio (compared to other countries)


Graph image:Bar chart

In Japan, freight vehicles account for a larger percentage than in other nations and support freight distribution.

Comparison of transportation cost per unit distance among trucks of various maximum load weight


Graph image:Bar and line chart
Prepared from the website of Japan Trucking Association

The heavy truck, the cheaper the cost and higher the transportation efficiency.
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