Four companies partner to promote rail modal shift for cold chain logistics

Four Japanese companies—Hutech Norin, Hakata Unyu, JR Freight, and Nippon Express—have partnered to promote a rail modal shift for low-temperature logistics using new 31-foot refrigerated containers.

The initiative focuses on transporting frozen foods between the Kanto and Kyushu regions. Hutech Norin will manage collection and transport from Kanto to Kyushu, while Hakata Unyu will handle the return leg from Kyushu to Kanto. JR Freight will manage the rail transport between these points, and Nippon Express will oversee container procurement.

This shift to rail is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 120 tons compared to truck transport. Additionally, the move aims to address labor shortages and driver working conditions; the transition can reduce a driver's binding time by approximately 13 hours per trip.