#Japan #T2 #Autonomous Trucks #Seino Transport #Gifu, Tokyo

Seino Transport Partners with T2 for Autonomous Relay Transportation in Japan

In an innovative move to address future truck driver shortages, Seino Transport Co., Ltd., based in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, and T2, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, are set to integrate autonomous trucks into part of Seino Transport's relay transport services, starting April 2026. This initiative will utilize T2's autonomous trucks on certain sections of highways between Kanto and Kansai, marking the first domestic use of autonomous trucks for relay transportation, a method involving loading multiple shippers' goods onto a single vehicle for regular long-haul transport.

As the logistics industry grapples with a shortage of truck drivers, Seino Transport is keen to implement T2's Level 4 autonomous trucks, projected to become operational in 2027. Since July 2025, the company has been actively participating in commercial operations using Level 2 autonomous trucks. This latest effort aims to expand the operational possibilities for autonomous trucks once Level 4 technology becomes available, focusing on relay transport across the Kanto-Kyushu and Chugoku-Shikoku regions, covering distances of over 1,000 kilometers.

On April 20, 2026, Seino Transport began testing the integration of T2's autonomous trucks into existing operations between Kanagawa and Hyogo prefectures. The transportation route is approximately 550 kilometers, with around 430 kilometers designated for Level 2 autonomous driving on the Tōmei Expressway and Chūgoku Expressway.

Overview of Transportation Routes

Outbound Route:
From Seino Transport's Sagamihara Branch (Kanagawa) to Himeji Branch (Hyogo), approximately 550 km (including Level 2 autonomous segment for 430 km).
Return Route:
From the Seino Transport Shimmen Branch (Kobe) back to Sagamihara, approximately 515 km (including Level 2 autonomous segment for 430 km).

Roles of the Companies

• - Seino Transport: Responsible for identifying key locations and routes, as well as arranging verification cargo.
• - T2: Manages the overall operation and provides vehicles.

Key Verification Points

The pilot project focused on validating the driving routes and anticipated lead times for the relay transport using autonomous trucks. This also included running operational scenarios to assess their effectiveness.

In the course of the project, T2's autonomous vehicle will stop at the newly created Transgate Kobe West, located near the Kobe Nishi IC on the Sanyo Expressway. This facility is intended as a transitional hub where driving autonomy can shift between unmanned operation on highways and manned driving on public roads.

Currently, due to driver work schedules, operations can only be conducted one-way under a single driver. However, with Level 4 autonomy, it is projected that these operations could double in capacity, enabling round trips within a day.

Successful Operations and Future Plans

Throughout the testing of this autonomous relay transport, the endeavor met the target of completing the designated routes within 24 hours. Drawing on the insights and results of this project, both companies plan to continue exploring the integration of autonomous trucks into relay operations, moving towards regular routes if the operational effectiveness is confirmed. Further collaboration will focus on establishing the necessary operational protocols to support Level 4 autonomy.

Company Profiles

Seino Transport Co., Ltd.

• - Headquarters: 1 Taguchi-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture
• - CEO: Tomohiro Takahashi
• - Established: October 1, 2005
• - Business: Commercial logistics services focusing on express delivery
• - Website: Seino Transport

T2 Inc.

• - Headquarters: 2-2-3 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - CEO: Masatomo Kumabe
• - Established: August 30, 2022
• - Business: Development of autonomous driving systems, Level 4 autonomous truck relay transport services, and related services
• - Website: T2
• - Official Social Media (X): T2 on X
• - Official Note: T2 on note