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On June 5, 2025, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) decided to revoke Japan Post’s general freight motor carrier permit. The decision stems from widespread failures to properly conduct driver safety check-ins at post offices nationwide. This action will ground approximately 2,500 trucks and vans, severely impacting Japan Post’s logistics operations.

The Reality of the Safety Violations

MLIT audits found that over 60% of the 119 inspected post offices had inadequate driver check-in procedures, violating the Motor Truck Transportation Business Law. Violations included failure to verify alcohol detector use and check-in frequencies falling well below legal requirements.

These safety management failures posed serious accident risks, leading MLIT to impose the harshest administrative penalty available — permit revocation.

Impact and Future Response

With approximately 2,500 vehicles grounded, Japan Post’s logistics operations — particularly the “Yu-Pack” parcel service — face significant disruption. In fiscal 2023, the company handled about 1 billion parcels, commanding roughly 20% market share.

After the revocation, Japan Post cannot reapply for the same permit for five years. The company plans to maintain operations by increasing reliance on its subsidiary “Japan Post Transport” and partner companies.

Summary

The revocation of Japan Post’s transport permit is an extremely rare penalty against a major carrier, with serious implications for its logistics network. All eyes are on how Japan Post will maintain its delivery network and implement preventive measures going forward.