As the 2024 issue of logistics becomes an issue due to concerns about transportation capacity shortages due to stricter regulations on overtime work for truck drivers, Prime Minister Kishida exchanged opinions with top executives in the logistics industry and discussed how to resolve the labor shortage. He expressed hope that truck driver wages could be raised by around 10% through appropriate price pass-through.
On the 16th, Prime Minister Kishida, relevant cabinet ministers, and top management of major logistics companies attended a meeting to exchange opinions regarding wage increases for truck drivers held at the Prime Minister's Office.
Major logistics companies reported that they would improve the working environment for drivers by investing in labor-saving measures, and that they would work with shipper companies to raise freight rates.
Afterwards, Prime Minister Kishida stated, ``We are making every effort to realize wage increases that exceed the rise in prices, and raising wages for small and medium-sized businesses is our most important issue,'' and added that the government has set standards for freight rates. He expressed the view that wages can be expected to rise by around 10% next fiscal year through an increase in the "standard fares" shown to business operators and appropriate compensation for work other than driving.
According to a summary by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, truck drivers' annual working hours are approximately 20% longer than the average for all industries, but their income is approximately 10% lower. The focus is on whether a significant wage increase can be achieved in order to address the shortage of truck drivers caused by the problem.