#Japan #Tokyo #Logistics Provider #Truck Maintenance #Profitability Strategies

Overview of the Truck Maintenance Committee

On July 7, 2026, Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting, under the leadership of Naoyuki Hashimoto, hosted the inaugural meeting of the newly established Truck Maintenance Committee during the Logistics Provider Management Study Group. This specialized committee focuses on the critical issues surrounding truck maintenance within the transport industry.

Background and Purpose

The logistics sector is currently facing a severe shortage not only of truck drivers but also of mechanics. With an already high job vacancy ratio, the scarcity of skilled maintenance personnel presents a significant challenge to many transport companies. Traditional reliance on dealers or external repair shops has led to skyrocketing repair costs and extended downtime, adversely affecting operational efficiency and overall profitability.

In response to these pressing issues, the Truck Maintenance Committee was launched with the intent to redefine the approach to truck maintenance. Instead of viewing maintenance as merely a cost, the committee seeks to position it as a foundational component that supports safety, profitability, and human resource development. The goal is to nurture sustainable growth in the logistics sector through what is termed ‘Sustainable Growth Management’.

Key Themes and Activities

The committee will focus on four primary themes to cohesively organize practical know-how:

1. Vehicle Strategy for Profit Improvement: Optimize costs and enhance safety while maximizing vehicle uptime.
2. Establishing In-House Maintenance Functions: Create roadmap strategies for companies to develop their own maintenance capabilities based on fleet size and growth stage.
3. Recruitment and Training of Mechanics: Provide aid in the recruitment processes and organizational structures necessary to support in-house maintenance.
4. Selection of Tools and Equipment: Offer guidance on optimal choices of land, facilities, tools, and parts to reduce costs effectively.

Meeting Schedule

First Lecture: Points for Strengthening Maintenance to Increase Profitability

Presented by: Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Team Leader at Funai Soken SC Maintenance Team. This session will discuss the latest trends in the logistics industry and strategies for securing profitability despite rising costs.

Second Lecture: Exchange of Information

Participants will share best practices and real-life examples of mechanic recruitment, training methods, efficient operations, and cost-cutting measures employed by various companies.

Third Lecture: Special Guest Session – Maintenance is Not Just a Cost!

Presented by: Kazuya Yamagishi, CEO of Yamagishi Transport Group. This talk will focus on the concept that maintenance is a profit-generating business function, sharing successful case studies of creating an in-house maintenance system, internalizing tire and oil changes, and the benefits of utilizing used vehicles and certified garages.

Fourth Lecture: Summary Session on Steps for Strengthening Maintenance Capabilities

Presented by: Nobuaki Mimura, Group Manager at Funai Soken SC. This concluding lecture will distill key points learned during the meeting and provide a framework for actionable next steps.

Event Details

• - Date: July 7, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
• - Location: Funai Soken Group Headquarters, Sustainability Growth Square, Tokyo (Yaesu)

(2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Central Tower)

• - Target Audience: Owners and executives from transport and logistics companies, vehicle management personnel.

For more information, please check out the special webpage here.

Related Downloads

Escape reliance on outsourcing! A strategy to dramatically transform the operating profit margin of logistics companies through the strengthening and establishment of in-house maintenance departments.

Key Points in this Resource:

• - Importance of in-house maintenance to counteract the high costs of vehicle purchase and repairs, enhancing profit margins.
• - Step-by-step procedures for equipment selection and construction based on fleet size.
• - Insider tips on differentiating from large dealers and retaining effective mechanics.

Company Profile

Company Name: Funai Soken Supply Chain Consulting
Headquarters: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0028
Representative: Naoyuki Hashimoto, President
Established: May 10, 2000
Capital: 980 million yen
Contact: 03-4223-3163
Email: [email protected]
Website: Funai Soken