X Mile Inc. (read: Ku-ro-su-ma-i-ru, Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Hiroyuki Noro), a provider of SaaS/HR platforms for non-desk industries such as logistics, construction, and manufacturing, conducted a survey on the impact of the situation in Iran targeting 294 managers and executives in the mobility industry.

While international efforts are underway to ease direct conflict and resolve the situation, the economic impact remains uncertain. Market trends, including energy prices, are likely to be influenced by future international developments and require continued attention. In the mobility industry, 86% of operators are experiencing rising fuel costs, and approximately 30% of businesses have already seen operational impacts such as reduced services, route scaling back, and order limitations.

In the mobility industry, 86% of operators are experiencing rising fuel costs, and approximately 30% of businesses have already seen operational impacts such as reduced services, route scaling back, and order limitations.

Furthermore, on the ground, in addition to soaring fuel prices due to the situation in Iran, chronic driver shortages and the "2024 Problem" are occurring simultaneously. Approximately 30% of companies responded that they "want to raise prices due to rising expenses, but cannot due to relationships with shippers," revealing that many businesses are unable to cope.

* The "mobility industry" refers to all businesses involved in the movement of people and goods, including freight transport such as truck shipping, as well as passenger transport such as taxis and buses.

Survey Summary

- 86% of the mobility industry feel rising fuel costs, with about half experiencing "significant price increases."

- Approximately 30% are experiencing operational impacts such as "reduced services and order limitations."

- The background for reduced services and operational scaling back is "driver shortages" and "high fuel prices."

- "Want to raise prices but cannot" - businesses hesitant to pass on costs are the most numerous.

- Labor shortages are worsening, with about 40% stating "need to increase staff even if it means increasing recruitment costs."

▼This press release can be viewed below.

Cross Work Work White Paper: https://x-work.jp/journal/iran-logistics

※ Please set the source and link below when reprinting or quoting.

86% of the Mobility Industry Feel Rising Fuel Costs, About Half Experience "Significant Price Increases"

First, when asked about the impact of the escalating Middle East situation on fuel prices, 48.3% (142 people) responded that prices have "already risen significantly," and 37.8% (111 people) said they have "risen gradually," indicating that a total of 86.1% are experiencing rising fuel costs.

Additionally, 3.7% (11 people) of operators responded that they have "received notice or expect prices to rise soon," suggesting the possibility of further cost burdens expanding in the future.

Approximately 30% are experiencing operational impacts such as "reduced services and order limitations."

When asked about the impact on operations and orders due to soaring fuel costs and the Middle East situation, 24.8% (73 people) reported "some impact is occurring," and 9.5% (28 people) stated they have "already implemented reduced services, route scaling back, or order limitations."

In total, it was found that approximately 30% of operators are already experiencing operational impacts.

On the other hand, 20.1% (59 people) responded that they are "considering it but have not yet implemented it," indicating that even companies whose impact is currently limited may proceed with reviewing their operational structures depending on future fuel prices and international conditions.

Reduced Services and Operational Scaling Back Driven by "Driver Shortages" and "High Fuel Prices."

When asked about the main factors for businesses implementing or considering reduced services, route scaling back, or order limitations, the most frequent response was "driver shortages (due to declining birthrate and difficulty in hiring)" at 67.5% (108 people). This was followed by "rising fuel costs due to the Middle East situation" at 63.8% (102 people), and "the 2024 Problem (restrictions on driver working hours)" at 40.0% (64 people).

This highlights the reality that not only is fuel price inflation due to the situation in Iran a factor, but also the long-standing structural labor shortage and the 2024 Problem are simultaneously increasing the burden on operations.

Particularly in the mobility industry, with driver shortages becoming chronic, the added cost burden from rising fuel prices is significant, potentially exacerbating complex issues such as "having vehicles but not enough people" and "difficulty in making a profit even when operating."

"Want to raise prices but cannot" - Businesses Hesitant to Pass on Costs are the Most Numerous.

When asked about the status of fare and rate revisions in response to rising fuel and labor costs, the most common answer was "want to pass on costs, but cannot due to relationships with shippers/customers" at 27.2% (80 people). This was followed by "already implemented price increases or plan to reflect them immediately" at 24.8% (73 people), and "considering price increases within a few months" at 21.4% (63 people).

In the trucking industry, in addition to soaring fuel prices, wage increases and improved working conditions are also demanded to address driver shortages, increasing cost burdens for operators. However, due to price competition and the power dynamics with shippers and business partners, many companies are unable to proceed with passing on costs.

Labor shortages are worsening, with about 40% stating "need to increase staff even if it means increasing recruitment costs."

Questions were also asked about recruitment activities and staffing situations. The most frequent response was "labor shortages are severe, and it is necessary to increase staff even if it means increasing recruitment costs" at 38.1% (112 people).

On the other hand, 12.2% (36 people) stated "forced to suppress new hiring due to heavy fuel and labor cost burdens," and 11.6% (34 people) said "forced to limit hiring numbers to secure funds for wage increases," indicating that a certain number of operators are compelled to suppress hiring due to increased costs.

Amidst chronic driver shortages, responses to rising fuel prices and labor costs are also simultaneously required. The results of this survey reveal that many businesses are facing the dilemma of "wanting to increase staff but facing heavy cost burdens."

Comment from Hiroyuki Noro, Representative Director and CEO of X Mile Inc.

This survey revealed that 86% of operators in the mobility industry are experiencing rising fuel costs due to the Middle East situation, and approximately 30% are experiencing operational impacts such as reduced services and route scaling back. With an uncertain outlook, the burden on the industry is expected to continue for the time being.

However, what this survey highlighted is not just the temporary surge in fuel prices. In logistics operations, severe driver shortages and responses to the 2024 Problem have been ongoing for some time, and now cost increases due to the Middle East situation are adding to this.

What was particularly striking was that the most common response was "want to raise prices, but cannot due to relationships with shippers." While logistics is a social infrastructure, there are limits to a structure where only the operational side continues to absorb cost increases.

Furthermore, even amidst worsening labor shortages, the largest number of respondents indicated a need to increase staff even if it means increasing recruitment costs, suggesting that logistics operations are facing extremely difficult management decisions, such as "securing personnel while enduring increased costs."

Logistics is the foundation supporting daily life and economic activities. Moving forward, our company will continue to communicate changes and challenges occurring on the ground and convey the realities of the logistics and mobility industries to society.

Survey Overview

- Survey Method: Internet survey

- Target Audience: Management and on-site personnel in the mobility industry (trucking, taxi, hire, other transportation services)

- Survey Period: April-May 2026

- Valid Responses: 294

※ This survey is not intended to guarantee statistical rigor. Please view it as reference data for understanding trends.

▼This press release can be viewed below.

Cross Work Work White Paper: https://x-work.jp/journal/iran-logistics

※ Please set the source and link below when reprinting or quoting.

Company Overview

Company Name: X Mile Inc.

Representative: Hiroyuki Noro, Representative Director and CEO

Established: February 2019

HP Site: https://www.xmile.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey報告