Japan aims to double marine, rail shipments to take load off truckers

New limits on overtime for drivers create need for alternatives

20231004N japan trucks

Japan will introduce an overtime cap of 960 hours a year for truck drivers in April 2024. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)

SATSUKI KANEKO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan aims to double the volume of cargo shipments by rail and sea over the next decade to offset dwindling availability of truckers after a cap on overtime comes into effect, Nikkei has learned.

The government will craft a reform package that encourages wider use of ferries to transport cargo, as well as roll-on/roll-off vessels that can carry truck trailers. These RORO vessels give drivers time to rest while cruising on water.

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