Nippon Express Begins Rail Round-Trip Transport Using 31ft Wrapped Containers in Collaboration with Fujifilm Group and JR Freight

Nippon Express Co., Ltd., a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., in collaboration with FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp., FUJIFILM Logistics Co., Ltd., and Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight), has begun round-trip transport between the Tokyo metropolitan area and Suzuka using 31ft wrapped containers. A departure ceremony was held on May 25 to mark the start of full-scale operations.

In this initiative, used multifunction copiers collected in the Tokyo area are transported to Suzuka, and remanufactured machines produced in Suzuka are delivered to the Tokyo area. This shifts long-distance trunk transport to rail, aiming to secure stable transport capacity, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

The "remanufactured machines" transported in this initiative are products designed to contribute to resource circulation and decarbonization by reusing up to 84% of components by weight extracted from used products.

Recently, the logistics industry has faced challenges in securing stable long-distance transport due to a shortage of truck drivers and stricter labor regulations. Focusing on the mutual transport demand—collecting used copiers from customers in the Tokyo area and delivering remanufactured machines from Suzuka—Nippon Express has built a round-trip transport scheme utilizing rail containers.

The scheme adopts rail transport using 31ft containers for the long-distance trunk line between Tokyo Freight Terminal Station and Yokkaichi Station. By combining this with truck collection and delivery between the stations and origin/destination points, it realizes consistent round-trip transport connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area and Suzuka.

Furthermore, by introducing 31ft wrapped containers with Fujifilm's dedicated design, the company visualizes the round-trip transport initiative that supports resource circulation, promoting eco-friendly logistics.