#Japan #Kato #JPR #Pallet Rental #Tojo Depot

JPR Enhances Supply Network with New Building Completion at Tojo Depot

Japan Palette Rental Co., Ltd. (JPR), headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has officially completed the construction of its new facility (Building No. 3) at the JPR Tojo Depot, a key site for pallet supply. The development comes in response to the increasing demand driven by the 2024 logistics issue in Japan, reinforcing JPR's supply capabilities to better serve clients.

Overview of JPR Tojo Depot

JPR operates approximately 60 depots across Japan, focusing on the supply, storage, and maintenance of rental pallets. The Tojo Depot plays a pivotal role not only in supplying and collecting pallets for businesses in the Kansai region but also serves as a central point for the broader depot network. Notably, this site has pioneered the introduction of advanced technologies such as unmanned forklifts, RFID for maintenance record-keeping, and image inspection systems, making it a model depot for future implementations. Sustainability efforts are also a priority, as a portion of the depot's electricity needs is met through solar power generation.

With the completion of Building No. 3, the daily capacity for truck in-and-out operations has significantly increased, allowing for expanded logistics capabilities. This improvement will reduce relay transportation, enhancing vehicle operation efficiency.

Supply Network Strengthening Background

The logistics sector in Japan is currently facing a severe shortage of truck drivers, often referred to as the '2024 logistics problem.' One contributing factor to this shortage is the prolonged working hours of drivers, primarily due to manual loading and unloading processes and waiting times for other vehicles. To mitigate the strain on drivers and maintain stable transport capabilities, many shipping companies are increasingly adopting rental pallets for their freight operations.

In the fiscal year of 2024, JPR is expected to supply around 53.09 million rental pallets to client companies, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.8% and a new record high.

JPR Rental Pallet Service

Pallets serve as essential tools to mechanize loading and unloading operations, alleviating the physical burden on truck drivers and decreasing their extended working hours. While manual handling of goods can take between 1.5 to 2 hours, using pallets can shorten this time to about a quarter of that duration. This significant efficiency gain can only be achieved through the shared use of pallets among industries rather than individual ownership.

JPR retains ownership of Japan’s standard-sized pallets, offering them on a rental basis to companies. In addition, they have established a national network for the recovery of empty pallets from wholesale markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, which serve as the terminal distribution points for pallets (known as the ‘cooperative recovery system’). The successful completion of Building No. 3 at JPR Tojo Depot represents a major step forward in bolstering Japan's pallet supply network and addressing the logistics challenges faced by many businesses today.

Conclusion

As JPR continues to expand and enhance its operations, the new facilities at Tojo Depot demonstrate a commitment to supporting sustainable logistics practices while improving efficiency for their clients. By investing in technology and infrastructure, JPR is steadily paving the way for a more reliable and innovative pallet rental industry in Japan.