While torrential rains centered on Chiba Prefecture caused vehicle damage and delivery delays, a succession of large-scale logistics facilities was completed or moved into development, drawing renewed attention to trends in rising logistics costs and the need to strengthen business continuity planning (BCP). The editorial team has compiled a selection of August articles, focusing mainly on topics related to logistics costs.
August brought nationwide extreme heat, while torrential rains caused vehicle damage and delivery delays, highlighting the importance of establishing a sustainable logistics system. Against this backdrop, new logistics facilities continued to be built and completed, and the need to expand BCP measures and develop disaster-prevention hubs was emphasized.
Cargo News has compiled topics from its August articles concerning increases in logistics costs, including freight rates and charges and warehouse rents. Reports indicate that customs clearance fees continue to rise, particularly among major warehouse operators, and future cost trends are attracting attention.
Reports that rent increases for logistics facilities in the Tokyo metropolitan area had accelerated were also featured, suggesting that upward pressure on freight rates and charges is likely to continue after the summer. The upward trend in truck freight rates under long-term contracts has also become increasingly pronounced.
Other topics included JR East Logistics' promotion of digital transformation, the development of new logistics models through coordination between rail and trucks, examples of paid consulting models using EPAs, and consideration of establishing a support program for core logistics hubs.