The government drew up a policy package Friday for tackling the so-called 2024 problem in the logistics industry, including obliging large consignors and logistics companies to submit improvement plans that will ease burdens on truck drivers.
The package was compiled at a meeting of relevant ministers to combat the 2024 problem, or anticipated further truck driver shortages in line with overtime regulations that are set to come into effect next year.
"Concerted support from consignors, logistics companies and consumers is crucial in making logistics operations sustainable," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the meeting.
The mandatory improvement plans are expected to include shortening waiting times for truck drivers and reducing the number of deliveries, with consigners and logistics operators asked to report such plans to the government.
The package calls for written contracts to be produced to make sure truck drivers are paid appropriately.
It also features measures to raise consumers' awareness over the issue.
Aiming to halve the redelivery rate from the current 12% or so to 6% by fiscal 2024, the government plans to offer shopping points to people who receive their packages on the first delivery, among other measures.
The government plans to submit amendments to relevant laws including the series of measures to next year's regular session of parliament.
Truck drivers' overtime will be limited to 960 hours a year from April 2024 under the revised labor standards law. The change is expected to reduce the amount of packages that can be handled by a single driver, possibly leading to disruption in logistics operations.