Key Facts
• Online shopping growth has led to a surge in delivery volumes.
• Labor shortages in the delivery industry are becoming critical.
• Approximately 10% of deliveries require redelivery due to recipient absence.
• Redelivery efforts equate to the workload of 60,000 drivers annually.
• The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism aims to reduce redelivery rates to 6% by the end of the fiscal year.
• A new system proposes standardizing ‘delivery drop-offs’ and charging additional fees for hand delivery.
• Industry leaders expect benefits like faster delivery, cost reduction, and improved labor conditions.
• Challenges include weather-related issues and access restrictions in buildings with auto-lock systems.
• Some users express concerns over additional fees for hand delivery.
Summary
The rise in online shopping has significantly increased delivery volumes, exacerbating labor shortages in the industry. Redelivery, caused by recipient absence, accounts for 10% of all deliveries and contributes to long working hours, equivalent to the workload of 60,000 drivers annually. To address this, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism is considering standardizing ‘delivery drop-offs’ and introducing additional fees for hand delivery, aiming to reduce redelivery rates to 6% by the fiscal year-end. While industry leaders highlight potential benefits like faster delivery and improved labor conditions, challenges such as weather and building access persist. Users remain divided, with some opposing the added costs for hand delivery. The future of delivery services balances worker relief and user convenience.
