#Japan #Tokyo #Logistics 2024 #Company Collaboration #Pallet Transport

Logistics 2024 Challenges and Corporate Strategies

In a significant survey by Yu-Pi-Ru Co., conducted between February 27 and March 21, 2025, the impact of Japan's "Logistics 2024 Problem" was examined. This study shed light on how 69.5% of businesses currently perceive the effects of challenges such as a labor shortage, cost pressure, and operational efficiency. Companies from various sectors, including logistics and manufacturing, voiced concerns regarding rising transportation costs and difficulties in chartering vehicles, indicating that the challenges are not isolated to the logistics sector but permeate the entire supply chain.

Key Findings

Widespread Impact

The survey revealed that companies are acutely aware of the significant challenges affecting logistics operations, citing rising transportation and logistics costs as primary concerns. With input from 843 participants, encompassing large and medium-sized companies, the survey highlighted that 56.1% regarded the labor shortage as a pressing issue. In addition, 50.8% identified manual loading and unloading tasks as burdensome challenges that need immediate attention.

Evolving Perspectives

Comparing the current survey results with data from three years prior, a pronounced increase in concern was observed. An impressive 87.2% of companies acknowledged the need to address logistics challenges in the next three years, marking a notable rise from 79.8%. A particularly alarming trend is the dramatic increase in concern regarding labor shortages, which escalated from 50.0% to 67.3% over three years. Notably, the issue extends beyond mere quantity, as the quality of labor—including skilled workforce shortages and succession planning—is now an acute concern.

Shift in Strategies

The report highlights a significant strategy shift in response to the mounting pressures faced by logistics operations. Previously, only 25.4% of businesses prioritized pallet transport, but this figure surged to 48.6%, making it a cornerstone solution. The efficiency and standardization that comes with pallet transport are being recognized as potential answers to labor shortages.

Furthermore, there is a growing recognition that addressing these challenges cannot solely rely on individual company efforts. 39.3% of respondents emphasized the importance of collaboration with external partners and logistics companies. Initiatives such as joint deliveries have gained traction, prompting businesses to actively seek cooperative solutions to optimize transport networks.

The Future of Sustainability

In conclusion, the research indicates that many businesses are becoming increasingly cognizant of the structural challenges within logistics, acknowledging the limits of individual company efforts. For sustainable logistics infrastructure to be established, it is essential to focus on thorough efficiency and standardization through enhanced pallet transport. Moreover, fostering collaboration and communication between firms to create mutually beneficial relationships is pivotal. As shared transparency in the supply chain emerges as a vital component, the role of companies in effectively managing costs and risks will become integral in cultivating sustainable practices.

To read more about this pivotal survey, download the complete report on the impacts of the Logistics 2024 Problem and the direction for the next three years from here.

For media inquiries, please contact the Marketing Group at Yu-Pi-Ru Co. at TEL: 03-6852-8933 or via email at [email protected].