#Japan #Chuo, Tokyo #T2 #Otafuku Sauce #SB Foods

Introduction

In a significant development for the logistics sector, a pioneering collaboration is set to take place in September 2026 involving four key players: SB Foods Corporation (based in Chuo, Tokyo), Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd. (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima), Ebara Logistics Corporation (Yokohama, Kanagawa), and T2 Corporation (Chiyoda, Tokyo). This initiative aims to test a modal combination of autonomous trucks and freight rail, focusing on the Kanto to Chugoku region in Japan.

Background

With the ongoing shortage of truck drivers being a pressing issue, innovative transport models that improve efficiency are becoming increasingly essential. This new trial will mark the first instance in the logistics industry where products from multiple companies are collectively transported both to and from the destination using a modal combination approach. The aim is to validate whether this method can effectively address the driver shortage, which has been exacerbated by rising demand and operational challenges.

The Demonstration Plan

Starting on September 8, 2026, the four companies will execute a demo over four days, covering approximately 850 kilometers between the Kanto and Chugoku regions. The freight will utilize a jointly developed 31-foot shared container created by T2 in collaboration with Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight). For the outbound journey, SB Foods will ship its items, including products like ‘Akakan Curry Powder’ and ‘Hon-Nama Wasabi,’ manufactured in the Kanto region. On the return trip, Otafuku Sauce will transport their ‘Okonomiyaki Sauce 500g’.

Outbound Journey Details

1. From SB Foods logistics center (Saitama) to Ebara Logistics Kansai No. 2 Center (Osaka): The primary leg will utilize T2's autonomous trucks.
2. From Suita Freight Terminal (Osaka) to Hiroshima Freight Terminal (Hiroshima): The return trip will involve JR Freight's cargo trains transporting the empty shared container.
3. Finally, from Hiroshima Freight Terminal to Otafuku's main factory: A standard truck will handle the last leg of the journey.

Return Journey Details

1. Loading at Otafuku’s main factory: On the return leg, the shared container filled with products will first be transported to Hiroshima Freight Terminal via conventional trucks.
2. Rail transport from Hiroshima to Suita: The loaded container will then travel by freight train.
3. Final stretch from Suita to Ebara Logistics Kawasaki Center (Kanagawa): T2's autonomous trucks will complete the journey.

Key Transportation Features

The autonomous truck will operate in a specified section of the journey, precisely between the Ayase Smart IC (Kanagawa) and the Kumejima JCT (Kyoto) along the Tomei Expressway, spanning around 410 km. This segment will be vital to assessing the effectiveness of integrating various transport modes. Additionally, this measure aims to lay the groundwork for future endeavors leading to higher levels of automation in transportation.

Collaborative Future

Building on the outcomes of this demonstration, SB Foods, Otafuku Sauce, and Ebara Logistics envision a series of validations aimed at achieving Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities by 2027. They are also looking into participating in T2's commercial operations, where regular transportation services will be provided post-validation.

Conclusion

This collaborative effort exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to modern logistics, addressing the issues of driver shortages and sustainability in freight transport. The involvement of multiple companies showcases a unified commitment towards exploring innovative logistics solutions that could shape the future of transportation in Japan. As we approach the demonstration date, the logistics community is abuzz with anticipation of the outcomes and possibilities that this new modal combination transport method could unlock.