Old Rivals Yamato and Japan Post Join Forces

Feb 16, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - To address the driver shortage crisis, long-standing rivals Yamato Transport and Japan Post have teamed up to tackle Japan's challenging logistical environment known as the "2024 Problem."

Background of the Collaboration: The "Logistics 2024 Problem"

Employees from Yamato Transport are now working alongside post office staff to deliver packages. Yamato Transport has launched "Kuroneko Yu-Mail" this month, where Yamato handles collection, and Japan Post takes care of sorting and delivery.

The collaboration between Yamato Group and Japan Post Group was announced in June last year, driven by the looming "Logistics 2024 Problem." As part of workstyle reforms, truck drivers will face a cap of 960 hours of overtime work annually starting in April. This regulation could reduce the number of packages that can be delivered daily, potentially jeopardizing delivery services. To prevent this, the two logistics giants have formed an alliance.

Interestingly, these two companies have a history of "conflict" over the years. What was the reason for their dispute?

The Reason for the "Conflict": The Issue of "Letter Mail"

Yamato Group and Japan Post Group, now collaborating to tackle the "Logistics 2024 Problem," were once in "conflict" over a particular issue.

Yamato Transport's President at the time, Keiji Yutomi, criticized the monopoly Japan Post held over the delivery of "letter mail," such as letters, postcards, and invoices. In March 2015, Yamato Transport discontinued its Kuroneko Mail Service, which allowed for the delivery of non-letter items like flyers and pamphlets, due to the unclear definition of letter mail and the risk of customers inadvertently breaking the law.

Although the two companies were once in a "conflictual relationship," they chose a mutually beneficial path to solve the "2024 Problem." Yamato Transport can focus its management resources on courier services, while Japan Post can increase its handling volume of postal services, which has been declining.

This collaboration marks a significant shift from rivalry to partnership, as both companies aim to navigate the challenges of the logistics industry together.

Source: ANN

Typhoon No. 7 Forces Dozens of ANA and JAL Flight Cancellations

Airlines canceled a series of flights on June 25 as Typhoon No. 7 disrupted services mainly to and from Naha Airport and Miyako Airport, with further cancellations and transport warnings spreading to air, rail and expressway operators ahead of the storm’s expected approach to western and central Japan. ANA has decided to cancel 22 flights, while JAL has canceled 11. Two JAL Group carriers that mainly operate routes linking Okinawa’s main island with outlying islands have also decided to cancel a combined 43 flights.

Typhoon No. 7 Could Hit Honshu This Weekend

As of 2 p.m. on June 25, Typhoon No. 7 (Mekkhala) was moving north toward Japan and could make landfall on Honshu over the weekend, with the Japan Meteorological Agency and the transport ministry warning that rain from the seasonal front and the approaching storm may combine to produce a prolonged period of dangerous downpours.

Strong Quake Hits Aomori Prefecture

A powerful earthquake registering a maximum intensity of 6 upper on Japan’s seismic scale struck Aomori Prefecture at around 7:30 a.m. today. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a depth of about 50 kilometers. The earthquake’s magnitude was estimated at 6.9.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Japanese Among 17 Detained in Laos Over Special Fraud Operation

Nine Japanese nationals were among 17 people detained in Laos on suspicion of involvement in a special fraud operation, while Japanese authorities have sought cooperation from Cambodian police over dozens of Japanese citizens believed to have gone missing after traveling to Cambodia.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

Nikkei Falls Again, Briefly Down 1,300 Yen on AI and Semiconductor Pullback

The Nikkei Stock Average fell for a second straight session in Tokyo as investors locked in profits from a rapid rally in artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related shares, briefly sending the benchmark down more than 1,300 yen before bargain hunting helped it recover part of the loss.

Japan’s Shipbuilders Look to Resume Construction of LNG Carriers

Imabari Shipbuilding, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Namura Shipbuilding are aiming to resume construction of liquefied natural gas carriers around 2035, as Japan’s shipbuilding industry looks for a path to recovery after losing much of the global market to lower-cost rivals in South Korea and China.

Japan And U.S. Discuss Response as Yen Weakens to 39-Year Low

Finance Minister Katayama held online talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the yen approached its weakest level in about 39 years, with the two sides believed to have discussed possible responses, including foreign exchange intervention.

How to Buy from a Japanese Car Auction Without Getting Scammed?

Every year, thousands of people save money by buying through the Japanese auction process. But many do not realize they've paid too much until the vehicle arrives.

Nikkei Ends Above 72,000 For First Time As Record Run Extends

Tokyo stocks surged at the start of the week, with the Nikkei Stock Average closing above 72,000 for the first time and extending its record-setting streak to a sixth consecutive trading day.

Rising Sugar Costs Leave Bitter Taste for Confectionery Lovers

Sugar prices are on a firmer upward trend as concerns grow over the impact of Middle East tensions and the weaker yen, raising the prospect of further cost pressure on confectionery and other food products.

Japan Enters 1% Rate Era

The Bank of Japan's decision on June 16 to raise its policy interest rate to 1%, the highest level in roughly 30 years, is expected to increase annual net burdens by more than 20,000 yen for households in their 30s with two or more members once higher interest income on deposits and increased mortgage repayment costs are both taken into account, according to estimates by an economist.

< 2 3 4 5 >