How a Crisis in Truck Driving Could Change Life in Japan

It was dark when a truck driver arrived at a market in Osaka after a 15-hour journey. Truck drivers in Japan are facing immense strain due to a shrinking population and labor shortages. In an effort to improve job conditions, the government plans to cap overtime for truck drivers starting next year. However, this move is expected to create disruptions in the nation’s logistics system, with predictions of a 14% deficit in delivery capacity. The trucking industry in Japan is crucial to the economy, but outdated practices and a lack of standardization add to the challenges it faces.