JR Freight will establish a new transshipment station on the premises of Kita-Asahikawa Station in Hokkaido and begin operations on 1 November. The system will allow cargo to be transferred directly between regular trucks and rail containers using the company’s own vehicles, with the aim of easing the burden on long-haul drivers.
JR Freight will open a new transshipment station on the premises of Kita-Asahikawa Station in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, with use scheduled to begin on 1 November 2026. This will enable cargo at the freight station to be transferred between regular trucks and rail containers.
Kita-Asahikawa Station will be the 4th transshipment station, following Hakodate Freight Station, Obihiro Freight Station and Tomakomai Freight Station. A key feature is that customers are expected to deliver cargo directly using their own trucks, together with the surrounding map information.
Hours of operation are 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–18:00. Users will include shippers, logistics operators and freight forwarders. Specific fees and details of the time slots are expected to be determined in consultation with the transport operator serving as the point of contact.
Shifting long-distance freight transport to rail is expected to help reduce long working hours and promote work-style reform.