## (6) Measures that help consolidate international logistics facilities

To meet the needs for the improved logistics network where international freight transport is efficiently combined with the domestic transport including all modes of land, sea and air, we are driving forward the realization of the interoperation of chasses (trailers that have no power drive) to and from Korea and China.

Also, we will promote standardization of Japan’s logistics systems to be used internationally, thereby contributing to improved logistics environments in Asian distribution networks and strengthening international competitiveness of Japanese logistics companies, based on the services and know-how that domestic logistics companies have, which is at the world’s highest level, including cold chain and delivery services.

The MLIT will push the development and redevelopment of physical distribution sites and facilities around international ports, etc., which are nodal areas for international physical distribution in metropolitan zones. They will also undertake this at the ports that are the strongpoints of physical distribution and industry. This will be done to build up international competitiveness and form an efficient network of physical distribution as an integral part of urban environment improvement activity, while also seeking better disaster preparedness to deal with massive disasters as they occur.

## 2 Measures aimed at building an efficient and sustainable logistics system in Japan

Additional approaches are underway to build an efficient and sustainable logistics system at home to toughen Japan’s industrial competitiveness and increase logistics productivity while easing environmental loads.

## (1) Flow of interregional logistics

The MLIT proceeds to develop nodal points of logistics, such as ports and freight stations, to drive combined multimodal transportation. Cargo transportation by rail can be used more efficiently by utilizing the facilities that have been developed to increase capacities of cargo transportation by rail. The construction of combined multimodal transport terminals is also being proceeded at Toyo Port and elsewhere to consolidate coordination between marine transportation and other modes of transport. Furthermore, in June 2015, we compiled a report on various issues concerning alternative transportation at times of railway transportation disruptions. Also, since FY 2015, we have been working on the development of low floor type railroad cars that meet the height restrictions of existing structures such as tunnels with the aim of promoting modal shift of 40 feet container to railway transportation in domestic transportation of import/export container cargos.

Key road networks will also be constructed to streamline the flow of truck transportation.

## (2) Optimizing local logistics in cities, depopulated and other areas

Urban distribution centers Note have been developed in 20 cities and 29 locations (27 of which were already in service by the end of March 2016), in accordance with the Act on the Improvement of Urban Distribution Centers, to enhance the urban functions of logistics and streamline road traffic through the intensive location of distribution facilities.

To prevent roadside parking for cargo handling purposes, the Ministry has encouraged local governments to include the mandatory installation of parking spaces for cargo handling in their municipal parking ordinances. As of the end of March 2015, municipal ordinances that stipulate mandatory installation of parking spaces for cargo handling at commercial facilities of above certain size were established in 89 cities.

Measures taken to optimize traffic flow include making focused attempts at eliminating congestion bottleneck points, constructing graded intersections, and resolving railway crossings that are closed at nearly all times. In parallel, non-structural measures, such as those aimed at encouraging joint transportation and delivery pursuant to the Low Carbon City Promotion Act to boost loading efficiency, have been promoted.

Furthermore, while the number of people having difficulty in daily shopping is increasing in depopulated and other areas, the logistics efficiency is on the decline. Therefore, based on the report compiled by “review meeting on sustainable logistics networks that support local communities” at the end of FY 2014, we implemented model projects in five regions across Japan and examined operational issues and countermeasures to accumulate and spread practical expertise.