Well, there's only one week left this month. As the environment changes starting in the new year, some people may be preparing to move right now.



This is the time of year when many people move, but this year it seems to be even more difficult to make reservations.



When we investigated the background, we became aware of the problems faced by the logistics industry.

“Unfortunately, I am unable to accept it.”

``When do you plan to move?'' ``


If you move in March, the price will increase by about three times the current price.''

Transportation companies in Tokyo are inundated with calls for moving reservations before the end of the fiscal year.



The company has four call centers across the country, and one call center alone has turned down more than 100 reservations this month.

President of Moji Hoso, a shipping company


: ``Unfortunately, we are unable to accept reservations as we have reached full capacity.Since you have already learned about our company and contacted us, we would like to decline your request.'' I’m really sorry for doing that.”

There are also posts on social media about not being able to move.

There are also posts on the old Twitter account X about people not being able to make reservations to move at their desired time.

"I was told that reservations were fully booked due to law revisions and the transfer season. I would not be able to make it in time for my arrival date." "I



was told that there was a labor shortage due to changes in the way drivers work. I will leave my large furniture at my parents' house for a while. Teku”

Among the people who were unable to make reservations, there were posts about how they could move without relying on contractors, such as ``I'm moving in my parents' light truck,'' and ``I sent only cardboard boxes by courier.''



In addition, some people say that they have no choice but to move on their own because of the high costs, such as being presented with an estimate that is much higher than they expected.

Some people are unable to move and use their storage room.

The storage room is used by people who were unable to make a reservation with a moving company.



A man who had decided on a new home but couldn't find a moving company...

"I contacted six or seven moving companies, but I couldn't get an appointment. To be honest, I never thought something like this would happen. I want to move as soon as possible."

If it were true, they were temporarily using the trunk room to store their belongings that would have already gone to their new home.

(Yamato Ikeda, Senior Manager, Marketing Department, Trunk Room Company)


"I feel that we are receiving more inquiries from people who want to move but cannot. They cannot find a moving company, compared to previous years."

2024 problem in the background

Why do I have to refuse to move?



The transportation companies we interviewed cited the "labor shortage" in the logistics industry as a major factor.



We are trying to increase employee salaries and secure human resources, but the situation continues to be difficult.



There are concerns that the 2024 problem will make the labor shortage even more serious.

President of Moji Hoso, a transportation company


: ``I think the situation is a bit tough due to the 2024 problem.I have the impression that it's going to get even tougher now that there will be a cap on overtime for truck drivers.''

Starting next month, overtime hours for truck drivers, which previously had no upper limit, will be capped at 960 hours per year under the 2024 problem.



While it is expected that this will lead to improvements in the working environment, there are concerns that the labor shortage in the logistics industry will worsen and the amount of transportation will decrease.

Impact extends beyond moving companies

The impact extends beyond moving companies.


Major delivery companies have announced price increases one after another in hopes of improving the treatment of drivers and others.



Japan Post has announced that starting next month, delivery times for Yu-Pack and express mail will be extended by up to half a day in some areas.



Experts say the impact will extend even closer to us.

Professor Yuji Yano of Ryutsu Keizai University, who is an expert on logistics issues, said, ``


For example, when it comes to perishables that are transported over long distances, there is a possibility that we will not be able to assemble them as we have in the past.In some ways, the freshness will be reduced because it takes a long time.'' Naturally, this will occur, and of course costs will rise.Up until now, the economy has been running with long working hours and a heavy burden on drivers, but we are now at a point where we need to change that premise a little. I think it is.”

NHK plus

Saturday Watch 9 (Broadcast on March 23rd) Available until 10:00pm on Saturday, March 30th