A comparison of semi-trailer transport of international maritime container cargo in Japan and South Korea, and its implications

This paper clarifies the current flow of semi-trailers with international maritime container cargo in Japan, focusing on time distribution and expressway utilisation, by an investigation in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area as well as in port districts. For comparison, a similar survey was also conducted in the urban and port area of Busan, South Korea. Based on the results, the commonalities and differences between both countries are examined. Implications for Japanese transport conditions of semi-trailers are discussed, especially in terms of container terminal gate open times, transporting two 20 ft containers loads, usage of inland depots, and promotion of their expressway use.