#Japan #Tokyo #Supply Chain #trucking industry #cost management

An In-depth Look at Cost Management Practices in the Trucking Industry

In a recent collaborative effort, Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting Co., Ltd., along with Ascend Co., Ltd., Azoop Co., Ltd., Tsuzuki Electric Co., Ltd., and CRI Co., Ltd., has launched a comprehensive investigation focusing on cost management and costing practices among trucking operators in Japan. This investigation aims to reveal the financial scenarios faced by this critical industry, which serves as a backbone of logistics and transportation.

Background to the Study

The trucking industry plays a vital role in the delivery of goods, acting as an essential societal infrastructure. Despite its significance, the overall operating profit margins in this sector have stagnated at an alarming 0.0%. Smaller operators, specifically those with 20 vehicles or fewer, find themselves in a troubling financial position, often reporting negative margins. According to reports from the Japan Truck Association, the need for effective cost management has never been more urgent.

Interestingly, while 83% of trucking firms surveyed claim to utilize cost calculations, the sector's price transfer rates remain the lowest compared to 27 other industries. This disparity suggests that many companies are not effectively leveraging cost data to negotiate freight rates or make informed business decisions.

Given these circumstances, it is paramount to conduct this study. The objective is to ascertain which expense categories trucking companies are managing, the granularity of this management, and how they are utilizing this information in their operations.

Study Overview

The survey titled "Actual Conditions of Cost Utilization and Response to Cost Increases in Transportation Companies" will target operational trucking businesses.

• - Research Method: The study will employ a Web-based questionnaire.
• - Response Period: June 9, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

Participating Companies

- Ascend Co., Ltd.
- Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting
- Azoop Co., Ltd.
- Tsuzuki Electric Co., Ltd.
- CRI Co., Ltd.

Outcomes and Future Events

The results of this survey are anticipated to be shared with respondents and participating companies by July 2026 and will be publicly released as a report for industry stakeholders. Furthermore, a seminar organized by Ascend Co., Ltd. will take place in August 2026, featuring discussions on the findings and implications for the trucking sector. This event will serve as a platform for networking and exchanging insights aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies across the industry.

Company Profile: Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting

• - Company Name: Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting
• - Tokyo Head Office Address: 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0028, Japan - 35th Floor, Yaesu Central Tower, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu
• - Osaka Head Office Address: 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001, Japan - 21st and 22nd Floors, InnoGate Osaka
• - CEO: Naoyuki Hashimoto
• - Founded: May 10, 2000
• - Capital: 980 million yen
• - Contact: 03-4223-3163 | [email protected]
• - Website: Funai Soken

By conducting this essential research, the trucking industry may begin to uncover new strategies for managing costs in the face of rising expenses, ultimately helping to improve profitability and sustainability in a demanding economic climate.