【Export Pallets to Japan (Type 11)】 Measures for the "2024 Problem." Resolving Unloading Delays by Complying with Japan's Warehouse and Retail JIS Standards.

JPR (Asia) Co., Ltd. handles JIS-compliant Type 11 pallets in Thailand. The company supports exports to Japan and international logistics standardization.

Table of Contents

• Manual Loading and the “2024 Problem”
• Consistent Palletization Solution by JPR (Asia)
• Pallet Specifications (JIS Standard)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Glossary (Keywords)

Manual Loading and the “2024 Problem”

In April 2024, Japan expanded the application of laws related to work style reform, setting an upper limit on overtime work for truck drivers. This is known as the “2024 Problem.” In response to this system change, efforts are being made across Japan to reduce the working hours of drivers, and there is a strong demand to reduce cargo waiting times and waiting times during unloading.

Under these circumstances, transportation methods based on manual loading and unloading tend to be regarded as operations that reduce logistics efficiency. Some logistics providers are beginning to avoid transportation involving this type of cargo handling. If the Thai side prioritizes loading efficiency and uses loose loading, in which goods are loaded directly into containers without pallets, delays in unloading may occur if sufficient workers cannot be secured on the Japanese side.

Currently, driver waiting time is strictly converted into cost. If waiting time of several hours occurs, there may be cases where delivery is cancelled or additional charges are incurred.

For this reason, many retail and distribution companies in Japan are increasingly seeking consistent palletization using Type 11 pallets in order to shorten cargo-handling time. For suppliers in Thailand, responding to these requirements can also help maintain a stable supply system in the Japanese market.

Consistent Palletization Solution by JPR (Asia)

JPR (Asia) Co., Ltd. provides one-way rental through Asia Pallet Pool, allowing pallets to be rented in Thailand and returned in Japan.

By using Type 11 pallets, which are Japan’s de facto standard, from the shipping stage, re-stacking upon arrival in Japan can be eliminated, and unloading time can be significantly shortened. This makes it possible to reduce driver waiting time and avoid the risk of refusal of receipt or additional costs at logistics bases on the Japanese side.

In addition, the use of plastic pallets has the effect of reducing CO2 emissions compared with wooden pallets, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.

Pallet Specifications (JIS Standard)

The pallets provided are JIS Standard-compliant products that are compatible with automated warehouses and forklifts in Japan.

*For details, please download the PDF file attached to this article or contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where in Japan should the pallets be returned?

A: Pallets can be returned to JPR depots located throughout Japan. Importers can return them to the nearest location, helping to reduce disposal costs.

Q: Have receiving conditions on the Japanese side become stricter in response to the 2024 Problem?

A: Yes. Shortening cargo-handling time has become an urgent issue, and consistent palletization using JIS Standard pallets is strongly recommended, especially in the retail and distribution industries.

Q: Do plastic pallets require fumigation treatment for export?

A: No. Since they are made of plastic, fumigation and heat treatment required for wooden pallets are not necessary.

Glossary (Keywords)

Type 11 Pallet: A standard pallet size of 1,100 x 1,100 mm defined by the JIS Standard.

2024 Problem: Logistics stagnation issues caused by driver shortages in Japan and stricter labor regulations.

Consistent Palletization: An efficiency improvement method in which goods are transported in pallet units from the point of departure to the destination without re-stacking.

Asia Pallet Pool: A rental network that shares and circulates pallets among Asian countries.

*For details, please download the PDF file attached to this article or contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.