Daiwa Logistics Partners with T2 for Autonomous Trucking in Supply Chain

Daiwa Logistics Embraces Autonomous Technology for Future Logistics

In response to the pressing shortage of truck drivers, Daiwa Logistics Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Osaka) has made significant strides toward transforming its transportation operations. The company recently announced a partnership with T2, a Tokyo-based firm, specializing in the development of autonomous trucking solutions. This collaboration will allow Daiwa Logistics to utilize T2's autonomous trucks for transporting construction materials and equipment for Daiwa House Industry. The initiative is set to begin in January 2026.

Addressing the Driver Shortage Crisis

The logistics industry has been grappling with an increasingly severe shortage of truck drivers, a situation expected to worsen in the coming years. To counteract this challenge, Daiwa Logistics recognized the potential of T2’s Level 4 autonomous trucks in 2023 and invested in the company. T2 aims to operationalize its Level 4 autonomous trucking services by 2027, focusing on cross-regional transport.

Earlier in the year, Daiwa Logistics and T2 conducted several successful trials from July to October, incorporating T2’s Level 2 autonomous trucks into its supply chain operations. These trials demonstrated that T2’s trucks could maintain equivalent transportation quality and safety levels compared to traditional trucking operations.

T2 made headlines in July 2023 by launching its Level 2 autonomous trucking services commercially, marking it as the first firm in Japan to achieve this milestone. Five major companies in the logistics sector, including Sagawa Express and Seino Transportation, began using these autonomous trucks for their operations.

Future Operations with T2’s Autonomous Trucks

Daiwa Logistics has now agreed to join T2 as a commercial operator, thereby enabling the use of the autonomous trucks for their deliveries. Starting January 2026, the implementation will encompass a 450-kilometer route from Daiwa House's Nara factory to the Daiwa Logistics Ebina Logistics Center in Kanagawa Prefecture. The designated transportation route includes designated autonomous zones between key junctions in Kyoto and Kanagawa, ensuring safe and efficient delivery of construction materials.

Additionally, Daiwa Logistics is evaluating the use of T2’s autonomous trucks for other existing clients to extend the service benefit further. The company is keen on leveraging this innovative solution to build a robust logistics service that integrates advanced technologies into its operations.

Preparing for the Future of Logistics

As Daiwa Logistics prepares to integrate T2's future Level 4 autonomous trucks into its logistics network, the company is committed to adapting its service models to meet the demands of an evolving industry. This partnership marks an essential step in safeguarding logistics operations and ensuring reliability amid anticipated future logistics crises.

Furthermore, Daiwa Logistics will monitor the performance of T2’s trucks closely, leveraging existing commercial operation results to optimize and enhance service delivery continuously.

In summary, the collaboration between Daiwa Logistics and T2 symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to addressing longstanding industry challenges, setting a precedent for the logistics sector's future.