T2 Launches Japan's First Commercial Autonomous Trucking Service Between Major Cities
T2, a forward-thinking tech firm based in Tokyo's Chiyoda area, is setting a groundbreaking precedent in the logistics industry by launching Japan's inaugural commercial service utilizing autonomous trucks for long-haul transport. This innovative venture is set to commence on July 1, 2025, establishing a vital transportation link between Kanto and Kansai regions.
This pioneering initiative, recognized as the first in Japan, emerges amidst a pressing shortage of truck drivers—an issue exacerbated by what is referred to as the '2024 problem.' T2’s CEO, Nariaki Morimoto, expresses the company's commitment to addressing this crisis by leveraging partnerships with leading logistics firms, including Sagawa Express, Seino Transport, Japan Post, Fukuyama Transporting, and Mitsui-Soko Logistics.
T2's approach involves the deployment of Level 2 autonomous trucks, which require a driver to remain present but allow for some hands-off operation. The company's long-term vision includes transitioning to Level 4 autonomous trucks—capable of complete hands-free operation in specific environments—by 2027.
Through a series of extensive trials starting from its inception in 2022, T2 has validated the efficacy and safety of autonomous trucking operations, thereby ensuring that the new service will meet industry safety and quality standards. Collaborating closely with the aforementioned logistics partners, T2 has confirmed the operational capability and quality of their autonomous trucks, facilitating a smooth integration into the existing transport framework.
The initial routes for this new service are strategically planned to ensure efficiency:
Following the launch, T2 plans to significantly ramp up operational capacity, aiming to quadruple the number of trips by increasing frequency from once a week to approximately five times a week. This will cater to the needs of clients while ensuring consistent and reliable transport services.
The company also intends to transition from having engineers accompany the drivers to implementing a 'one-man operation' model. This will utilize trained drivers who can operate autonomously without supervisory support, thus establishing a robust and independent operational framework akin to traditional logistics firms.
The specified operational stretch is around 500 kilometers, spanning from Yokohama Aoba IC in Kanagawa Prefecture to the Uozaki entrance on the Hanshin Expressway in Hyogo Prefecture—a milestone expected to be reached by June 2025. Future expansions into Shikoku and Kyushu regions are also on the horizon, reflecting T2's expansive vision for the future of transportation.
As T2 fully commits to this venture, the company aims not only to establish itself as a key player in the logistics sector but also to accelerate collaboration with stakeholders, ultimately fulfilling its promise of transforming the logistics landscape through innovative autonomous solutions. With its sights set on achieving Level 4 autonomy by 2027, T2 is poised to revolutionize how goods are transported across Japan, ushering in a new era of efficiency and reliability in the supply chain.
This pioneering initiative, recognized as the first in Japan, emerges amidst a pressing shortage of truck drivers—an issue exacerbated by what is referred to as the '2024 problem.' T2’s CEO, Nariaki Morimoto, expresses the company's commitment to addressing this crisis by leveraging partnerships with leading logistics firms, including Sagawa Express, Seino Transport, Japan Post, Fukuyama Transporting, and Mitsui-Soko Logistics.
T2's approach involves the deployment of Level 2 autonomous trucks, which require a driver to remain present but allow for some hands-off operation. The company's long-term vision includes transitioning to Level 4 autonomous trucks—capable of complete hands-free operation in specific environments—by 2027.
Through a series of extensive trials starting from its inception in 2022, T2 has validated the efficacy and safety of autonomous trucking operations, thereby ensuring that the new service will meet industry safety and quality standards. Collaborating closely with the aforementioned logistics partners, T2 has confirmed the operational capability and quality of their autonomous trucks, facilitating a smooth integration into the existing transport framework.
The initial routes for this new service are strategically planned to ensure efficiency:
- - Sagawa Express: Tōmei Expressway, Ayase Smart IC to Keiji Bypass, Oogura IC
- - Seino Transport: Tōmei Expressway, Atsugi IC to Keiji Bypass, Kumiyama JCT
- - Japan Post: Tōmei Expressway, Atsugi IC to Keiji Bypass, Kumiyama JCT
- - Fukuyama Transporting: Tōmei Expressway, Ayase Smart IC to Meishin Expressway, Toyonaka IC
- - Mitsui-Soko Logistics: Tōmei Expressway, Ayase Smart IC to Meishin Expressway, Suita IC
Following the launch, T2 plans to significantly ramp up operational capacity, aiming to quadruple the number of trips by increasing frequency from once a week to approximately five times a week. This will cater to the needs of clients while ensuring consistent and reliable transport services.
The company also intends to transition from having engineers accompany the drivers to implementing a 'one-man operation' model. This will utilize trained drivers who can operate autonomously without supervisory support, thus establishing a robust and independent operational framework akin to traditional logistics firms.
The specified operational stretch is around 500 kilometers, spanning from Yokohama Aoba IC in Kanagawa Prefecture to the Uozaki entrance on the Hanshin Expressway in Hyogo Prefecture—a milestone expected to be reached by June 2025. Future expansions into Shikoku and Kyushu regions are also on the horizon, reflecting T2's expansive vision for the future of transportation.
As T2 fully commits to this venture, the company aims not only to establish itself as a key player in the logistics sector but also to accelerate collaboration with stakeholders, ultimately fulfilling its promise of transforming the logistics landscape through innovative autonomous solutions. With its sights set on achieving Level 4 autonomy by 2027, T2 is poised to revolutionize how goods are transported across Japan, ushering in a new era of efficiency and reliability in the supply chain.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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