Finally coming into effect on April 1st! A simple and detailed explanation of the revised Freight Trucking Business Act! We also introduce maps and people flow data that can help improve efficiency!

What exactly is the Freight Trucking Business Act?

The Freight Motor Vehicle Transportation Business Act is a law that establishes the basic rules for transportation businesses using freight vehicles such as trucks. It was enacted with the aim of ensuring the safety and reliability of logistics services, as well as developing a fair trading environment and improving the efficiency of logistics.

In recent years, as long working hours and labor shortages among truck drivers have become social issues, this law is positioned as an important legal framework that supports the creation of a sustainable logistics system by preventing fatigued driving, improving working conditions, and establishing fair trading practices that include shippers.

What is the purpose of the Motor Vehicle Freight Transportation Business Act?

The main purpose of the Freight Trucking Business Act is to ensure the safety of transportation by truck. Trucks are essential to our lives and industries, but they also carry risks such as fatigued driving and traffic accidents. This law establishes rules to create a safe working environment for drivers and prevent accidents.

Another objective is to promote fair transactions between transportation companies and shippers. We are working to create a system that prevents excessive price competition and unreasonable deadlines, thus avoiding an overburden on logistics operations.

Furthermore, streamlining logistics and maintaining stable transportation services for the future are also crucial roles. These efforts support the sustainable development of the logistics industry and the stability of the Japanese economy.

What is required by this revision isoptimization through digitalization and DX.

This amendment to the Freight Trucking Business Act was not carried out in isolation, but in conjunction with the amendment to the Logistics Efficiency Act. These two laws are collectively called the "Amendments to the Two Logistics Laws," and their purpose is to address the labor shortage and the 2024 problem facing the logistics industry. The amendment to the Logistics Efficiency Act specifically calls fortwo things to improve productivity at logistics sites: "reducing waiting and loading/unloading times" and "improving loading efficiency."

On the other hand, the amendment to the Freight Trucking Business Act promotes fair trade practices and the development of a sound business environment for transport operators, including ensuring appropriate freight rates and mandating written contracts. Both laws are positioned as systems that promote logistics reform from different perspectives.

For more details, please refer to this article which describes the "Revision of the Logistics Efficiency Law".Viewplease.

The two revised logistics lawsrequire the optimization of operations through digitalization and logistics DX in order to solve challenges in the logistics field. To address labor shortages and working hour regulations, it is crucial to shift to an efficient logistics system that utilizes data and systems.

Optimization of vehicle dispatch and operation planning

Dispatching operations have often relied on the experience and intuition of the person in charge. Therefore, the introduction of an AI-powered dispatching system is expected to optimize delivery routes and schedules, leading to reduced mileage, improved loading efficiency, and more efficient labor management.

Standardization of logistics data

To advance logistics DX, data sharing that transcends differences between companies and systems is essential. Therefore, the government is promoting data development and system construction based on the "Logistics Information Standards Guidelines." Standardizing data formats will facilitate information sharing among businesses, leading to increased efficiency throughout the entire logistics process.

GeoTechnologies, Inc.' map data is used by Google Maps and car navigation manufacturers, and can be applied to various systems and services that support logistics DX. Here, we introduce data that enables various functions of logistics systems. Some of this data may surprise you, making you think, "I can't believe this kind of data can be used!"

Please use this as a reference when planning, developing, or considering functional enhancements for your logistics systems.

​For detailed specifications and usage information for each data set, please refer to their respective introduction pages.

Road network data required for delivery route search

This high-precision road network data covers 1.3millionkmnationwideand is designed for GISand car navigation systems. It includes comprehensive information on road types, number of lanes, intersections, structures such as bridges and tunnels, and traffic regulations such as no-go, one-way streets, and no-turn zones.

For detailed information on road network data, please see this page.

Large vehicle regulation data required to search for delivery routes suitable for large vehicles.

This nationwide vehicle-specific regulatory data covers roads across Japan, including physical restrictions such as vehicle width, height, weight, and load capacity, as well as regulatory information based on traffic signs, such as prohibitions against large vehicles and vehicles carrying hazardous materials Vehicle type regulation It allows you to determine whether large cargo vehicles such as trucks can pass through certain areas. When used in conjunction with a road network, it enables delivery route searches for large vehicles.

For detailed information on large-scale regulatory data, please check this page.

Traffic congestion data using people flow data necessary for calculating estimated arrival times.

This traffic congestion information utilizes people flow data owned by GeoTechnologies, Inc.. In addition to real-time traffic information, it provides traffic statistics that allow you to understand congestion levels for each day of the week and time of day.

For detailed information on people flow data, please see this page.

We publishreal-time highway traffic information using this data on the map siteMapFan. If you are interested in traffic information using people flow data, please click here.

Distance post data that clearly displays the truck's location in emergencies such as breakdowns or accidents.

This is useful for pinpointing the exact location in case of breakdowns, accidents, or other problems on highways.For more details on Distance post data, please see here.

- To display the truck's current locationof(Dynamic Management) Background Map Data
　For more details, please see here.

-Building Routing Point useful for last-mile logistics delivery
　For more details, please see here.

- Whether a truck can pass throughCan be used for decision-makingRoad Width
　For more details, please see here.

- Curve angle data available for route searches that prioritize gentle curves.
　For more details, please see here.

- For searching for routes with gentle slopes when carrying heavy loads or in snowy conditions.AvailableRoad slope data
　For more details, please see here.

Expressway facility data useful for safe long-distance transportation
　For more details, please see here.

• Truck station data for safe resting during long-distance transport
　For more details, please see here.

- AccidentpreventionEffective accident-prone location data
　For more details, please see here.

TheMotor Vehicle Freight Transportation Business Act will be amended fromApril1,2026.

The revised Freight Trucking Business Act came into effect on April 1, 2026. This revision strengthens systems aimed at the healthy development of the logistics industry and improving the working environment for drivers, including ensuring fair freight rates and fees and promoting written contracts.

Another significant change is the introduction of a "five-year renewal system" for general freight trucking business licenses. This requires operators to continuously maintain compliance with laws and regulations and safety management systems, which is expected to improve the safety and reliability of the industry as a whole.

Types of freight trucking businesses

The freight trucking business can be broadly divided into three types: "general freight trucking business," "specific freight trucking business," and "light freight trucking business." Each type differs in the types of goods transported and the business model.

①General freight vehicle transportation business

This is the most common type of transportation business, where goods are transported on behalf of a large number of shippers. It encompasses a wide range of logistics services, including parcel delivery and corporate delivery. Furthermore, it requires the use of vehicles other than light vehicles and motorcycles.

②Specified freight motor vehicle transportation business

This is a business that transports goods exclusively for specific shippers. It is used for transportation between group companies or for dedicated transportation to specific companies.

③ Light freight vehicle transportation business

This is a transportation business using light vehicles and motorcycles with an engine displacement of over 125cc. Because of their maneuverability, they are well-suited for localized transportation services such as home delivery and last-mile delivery.

General freight trucking businesses and specific freight trucking businesses require licenses.

In order to operate a general freight trucking business or a specific freight trucking business, you must obtain permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

To obtain a license, certain standards must be met regarding vehicles, offices, staffing levels, and safety management systems. Furthermore, even after obtaining a license, strict compliance with laws and regulations and thorough safe operation are required, necessitating continuous management and operation.

Business licenseswill be subject to renewal everyfive years.

With this legal revision, licenses for general freight trucking businesses are now subject to renewal every fiveyears. Previously, once a license was obtained, businesses could continue operating indefinitely unless it was revoked.

After the revision, the operational status of businesses will be reviewed every five years to confirm whether safety management systems, legal compliance, and drivers' working conditions are being properly maintained.

Failure to meet the standards may result in the inability to renew the license, so businesses are required to maintain continuous compliance and conduct their operations appropriately more than ever before.

Improving working conditions by ensuring fair fares

This legal revision places greater emphasis than ever on improving the working conditions and treatment of truck drivers. Efforts that were previously considered merely voluntary have been strengthened, and businesses are now required to take more appropriate measures.

Furthermore, to ensure that transportation companies can continue their operations stably, it will become difficult for them to accept contracts at prices below the appropriate costs set by the government. This aims to prevent excessive price competition and the occurrence of unfair intermediate margins, and to ensure fair freight rates.

Ensuring fair freight rates is expected to lead to improved driver wages and reduced long working hours, ultimately contributing to a sustainable logistics industry.

Furthermore, since working conditions and compliance with laws and regulations are also checked when renewing business licenses, businesses are required to make continuous improvements.

GeoTechnologies, Inc. also possesses highway toll data that includes various discounts. If you are interested in highway toll data, please check here.

Expansion of the obligation to create a record of actual transportation operations.

Due to the legal revision, prime contractors transporting 1.5 tons or more of cargo are now required to create and retain for oneyear an "Actual Transportation System Management Log" that includes the names of the businesses actually performing the transportation, the transportation route, and the subcontracting hierarchy.

Furthermore, subcontractors will also be obligated to provide necessary information to prime contractors. This will make the often complex situation of outsourcing and subcontracting more visible, thereby improving the transparency of logistics transactions and ensuring a proper transportation system.

Expansion to freight forwarding businesses

While the creation of a transportation system management log became mandatory in April 2025, from fiscal year 2026 onwards, this obligation may also be imposed on freight forwarding businesses, which were previously exempt.

Furthermore, in order to improve the multi-layered subcontracting structure, it will be explicitly stated as a duty to make efforts to limit subcontracting to the second tier or lower in principle.

These initiatives are expected to make the flow of transportation outsourcing and the contracting hierarchy more transparent, leading to improved transparency in logistics transactions and the assurance of a proper transportation system.

Prohibition of entrusting work to unlicensed contractors (white trucks)

The revised law will strengthen regulations against "white trucks," which operate transportation businesses without a license. In the future, shippers who request transportation services from unlicensed operatorsmay also be subject to fines of up to1 million yen.

Previously, there were no direct penalties for shippers, but after the revision, responsibility will be clarified, making it important to check whether the contractor has obtained the appropriate permits.

These strengthened regulations are expected to eliminate illegal transportation businesses and create a safe and proper logistics environment.

Obligation to make efforts to subcontract (secondary subcontracting)

In the logistics industry, the "multi-layered subcontracting structure," where transportation work is subcontracted multiple times, has been a long-standing problem. The more layers of subcontracting there are, the more difficult it becomes for shippers and prime contractors to grasp which companies are actually carrying out the transportation and the transportation situation.

This legal amendment newly establishes an obligation for prime contractors to make efforts to limit subcontracting to the second tier or lower, as a general rule. This is expected to lead to greater transparency in transportation systems and the development of a fair trading environment.

It should be noted that this regulation is currently a duty to make efforts, and no immediate penalties will be imposed. However, failure to comply may result in administrative guidance, and regulations may be strengthened in the future. Therefore, businesses are urged to take action as soon as possible.

Ensuring appropriate treatment for transportation workers

In the logistics industry, improving the working conditions of workers, including truck drivers, is a major challenge due to excessive price competition and the difficulty of passing on price increases to freight rates.

This legal amendment mandates that freight trucking operators and freight forwarding operators take measures to ensure appropriate treatment of their workers.

Employers are required to properly evaluate their employees' knowledge, skills, and experience, and to provide wages and benefits commensurate with that evaluation. This is expected to lead to improved wages for drivers, better talent acquisition, and improved working conditions throughout the industry.

The specific standards and implementation details will be determined by a ministerial ordinance of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in the future.

This article explains the amendments to the Freight Trucking Business Act, one of the two revised logistics laws, which came into effect in April 2026.

This legal revision aims to address challenges in the logistics industry, such as driver shortages and long working hours, and to transform the industry into a more attractive and employee-friendly sector. It is expected to contribute to the creation of a sustainable logistics system through measures such as ensuring fair freight rates, increasing transparency in transactions, and improving working conditions.

Achieving this requires the GeoTechnologies, Inc. people flowdigitalization and logisticsDX. Geotechnologies supports logistics DX, such as optimizing dispatching and improving operational efficiency, by providing map data and human flow data. We believe these efforts will lead to increased productivity and a more comfortable working environment.

When promoting logistics DX, gathering information is paramount. Why not try to understand the latest regulations and technological trends and utilize them to reform your company's logistics operations?

If you are interested in logistics DX, please feel free to contact GeoTechnologies, Inc..