Truck Day (Torakku no Hi)

What Is Truck Day?

October 9 is "Truck Day" in Japan. It was established in 1992 (Heisei 4) by the Japan Trucking Association, based on a pun: "to" (10) + "rakku" (9) sounds like "torakku" (truck). The day aims to raise awareness of the role trucking plays in our lives and economy, promote safety, and deepen understanding of the drivers who do the work. Trucks carry about 90% of Japan's domestic freight by weight.

The Growth of Trucking

Truck transport grew rapidly along with Japan's postwar economic growth.

• From rail to road: As expressways were built during the high-growth era, door-to-door truck transport spread quickly.
• Home delivery: Parcel delivery services for individuals began in 1976, making trucks a familiar presence for households too.

The Logistics "2024 Problem"

From April 2024, a cap of 960 hours a year was placed on truck drivers' overtime. While this improves working conditions, it also reduces how much each driver can carry, raising concerns that goods may not be delivered as before - hence the name "2024 Problem."

• Countermeasures: Companies are pursuing joint deliveries, shifting freight to rail and ships (modal shift), and cutting the time drivers spend waiting to load.
• What we can do: Receiving parcels on the first attempt and using drop-off or delivery lockers helps reduce redeliveries and eases the burden on logistics.

Truck Trivia

• License plate colors: Green plates with white characters indicate commercial vehicles that carry goods for a fee.
• Turning paths and blind spots: When large trucks turn, the rear wheels cut well inside the front wheels, and there are many blind spots the driver cannot see. It is safer to wait a little farther back at intersections.
• Automated driving and platooning: Trials of automated trucks and convoys of trucks driving in close formation are under way on expressways.
• Truck Day events: Around October 9, trucking associations across Japan hold traffic safety campaigns and truck exhibitions.

Ideas for Truck Day

• Imagine where the products around you came from and how they got to you.
• When shopping online, choose a delivery time you can make or combine orders to reduce redeliveries.
• Say a word of thanks to the person delivering your parcel.
• If you drive or cycle, keep large trucks' blind spots and turning paths in mind.

Something to Remember on Truck Day

October 9 is a day to pay attention to the trucks and drivers behind the parcels that arrive as a matter of course. Our daily lives are supported by logistics that run day and night. Along with a word of thanks, think about small ways you can help - such as reducing redeliveries.