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Innovative Cooperation in Maritime Transport

In a remarkable initiative to enhance logistics efficiency while addressing environmental concerns, Japan Pallet Rental Co., Ltd. (JPR), alongside Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Dr. Lululun Co., Ltd., has officially commenced a collaborative modal shift and joint transportation project. This initiative, recognized under the comprehensive efficiency plan by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, aims to optimize transport routes and contribute to significant reductions in CO2 emissions starting from December 1, 2025.

Objectives of the Collaborative Transport

The newly launched joint transport will operate across maritime routes that connect the Kyushu, Shikoku, and Kanto regions. The objective is not only to reduce CO2 emissions and the time spent on truck transport but also to improve load efficiency through mixed product shipping. This collaboration utilizes optimal routing strategies to bolster the transportation efficiency of the involved products.

To better illustrate the operation, here are the details of the shipping routes and the companies involved:

• - Kyushu to Shikoku (Shinmoji Port to Tokushima Port)

- Cargo: JPR Rental Pallets

• - Shikoku to Kanto (Tokushima Port to Tokyo Port)

- Cargo: Kobayashi Pharmaceutical (daily sundries), Dr. Lululun (face masks, mixed shipment)

• - Kanto to Kyushu (Tokyo Port to Shinmoji Port)

- Cargo: Kobayashi Pharmaceutical (daily sundries)

In this process, Sekiko Logistics will handle all transportation using the ocean freight route operated by Ocean Trans Co., which connects Kitakyushu, Tokushima, and Tokyo.

Maximizing Load Efficiency

One of the main challenges faced by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical and Dr. Lululun has been achieving optimal load efficiency for their outbound shipments to Kanto when they are not packed into full 20-ton trailer loads. This inefficiency would often result in relying on land transport instead of maritime shipping.

However, through this innovative collaboration, both companies have transitioned their previously arranged land transport to joint maritime transport using 14-meter semi-trailers. This shift not only leads to cost reductions but also facilitates a greater reliance on ocean transport.

Achievements in Performance Metrics

The collaboration has yielded impressive results so far, including:

• - Truck Load Efficiency: By effectively matching transport needs among the three companies, a high actual vehicle rate of 99.4% has been attained.
• - CO2 Emission Reduction: The integration of this modal shift allows for a reduction of approximately 29.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually, translating to a 20% decline when compared to previous singular transport methods.
• - Driver Workload Reduction: Shifting long-distance land transport to maritime methods is projected to reduce driver working hours by about 843 hours per year, marking a 65.9% decrease.

Government Recognition of the Initiative

This initiative has received formal recognition from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under its comprehensive efficiency plan. For further details on the Logistics Efficiency Act and its recognition status, readers can refer to the ministry's official documentation.

Specific links and further information can be accessed here:
Logistics Efficiency Act Recognition
Overview of Comprehensive Efficiency Plan Recognitions

Future Outlook

The logistics industry is currently grappling with issues such as driver shortages, rising logistics costs, and CO2 emission reductions. Hence, there is optimism surrounding the formation of more efficient transport routes and further advancement in modal shifts. JPR aims to expand collaborative transportation endeavors with a diverse range of companies, fostering opportunities where product shipping routes and pallet supply lines can overlap to establish effective round-trip logistics solutions.