The Ministry recognized Hitachi Transport System´s development on modal shift in long-range transport as "a pilot project aiming to create a distribution system with minimal impact on the environment" when we first started our research in 2003. This was an assistance program on experiments conducted by shippers and distribution companies cooperatively, and we officially embarked on projects for modal shift in long-range transport subsequently.

The modal shift in long-range transport described here is a transport method to deliver air conditioners and refrigerators from Tochigi Office to distribution centers in Fukuoka and Hiroshima.

We first investigated methods to effectively utilize trailers with the reserve capacity to transport cargo from Tochigi Office to Utsunomiya Freight Terminal, when we embarked on long-range modal shift projects. That is when we developed new racks that enable railway containers to be transported on trailers originally built to carry ship containers. Efficient transport was made possible through using these racks that can load 3 5t-containers at once.

<Example of modal shift in long-range transport> (Recognized as the Modal Shift Pilot Project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in FY2003)

Through this modal shift in long-range transport, annual CO₂ emission was reduced by 1,590 tons (calculated using the "Carbon Dioxide Emission Unit per Cargo Transport Institution" and "Formula" stipulated by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport).

• Initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions in logistics
• Engage in Environmental Conservation through a New Form of Modal Shift in Collaboration with Export Companies
• Realize Environmentally-Friendly Modal Shift in Long-Range Transport

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