Japanese convenience store giant 7-Eleven has launched a groundbreaking demonstration that could significantly change the future of logistics. In a first for the convenience store and supermarket industry in Japan, the company will use self-driving trucks for long-haul transportation between the Kanto and Kansai regions.
This initiative has two major goals: to address the social issue of a worsening truck driver shortage in Japan in recent years, and to be environmentally conscious.
What is the “2024 Problem” Facing Japan’s Logistics?
Behind this experiment is the severe driver shortage known as the “2024 Problem” facing Japan’s logistics industry. Due to work-style reform laws, a cap on truck drivers’ overtime hours was implemented in April 2024. This makes it difficult for a single driver to cover long distances, raising concerns about a shortfall in overall logistics capacity.
To maintain the “everyday sight” of fully stocked shelves, a hallmark of Japanese convenience stores, companies are rushing to build new logistics networks utilizing AI and automation technology.
The Future of Transport is Here! Details of the Industry-First Trial
This demonstration is being conducted jointly by three companies: 7-Eleven, Mitsui & Co. Distribution Holdings (MRG), and T2, a startup developing autonomous driving technology.
In the experiment, products from 7-Eleven’s private brand, “7-Premium,” will be transported by T2’s self-driving trucks from an MRG logistics center in Saitama Prefecture to a center in Hyogo Prefecture.
A total of three trials are scheduled to be conducted between December 2025 and April 2026, with the trucks driving autonomously on sections of the Tomei and Meishin Expressways.
This experiment uses “Level 2” autonomous driving technology, which provides advanced driver assistance under a driver’s supervision. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve a trunk-line transportation service using “Level 4” autonomous trucks—where the system performs all driving operations under specific conditions—by fiscal year 2027. This is truly the first step in that ambitious plan.
Trucks Powered by “Tempura Oil”? Eco-Friendly Biofuel
What makes this initiative even more unique is its use of not just autonomous driving technology, but also environmentally friendly fuel.
The fuel for the trucks in this experiment will be “B5 diesel,” a blend containing biofuel made from used cooking oil (like tempura oil) collected from local school lunches and households. This is part of 7-Eleven’s “Circular Economy” initiative and contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions.
This will be the first case in Japan of recycled fuel collected from the community being used in self-driving trucks.
https://www.sej.co.jp/company/news_release/news/2024/202412021400.html
A Vision for 2027: The New Infrastructure of “Relay Hubs”
In a future with Level 4 automation, the scenario is that trucks will drive autonomously on expressways, then switch over to human drivers at “Relay Hubs” (Kirikae Kyoten) set up near expressway interchanges. From there, the human drivers will handle delivery to distribution centers and stores on regular roads.
https://t2.auto/news/2025/1030_c.pdf
T2 is proceeding with the establishment of these relay hubs and is also considering setting up refueling spots for eco-friendly fuels like B5 diesel at these locations in the future.
https://t2.auto/news/2025/0701.pdf
You can find more details about T2, the company developing this autonomous driving technology, on their official website and social media.
https://t2.auto/
https://x.com/t2_auto
Innovation to Support Our Convenient Lives
While it may still be some time before self-driving trucks are actually running in our towns, this demonstration is a crucial step toward maintaining the ultimate convenience of Japanese convenience stores—”always open, always stocked”—long into the future.
Solving social issues with the power of technology while also caring for the environment. Another of Japan’s convenience stores’ relentless challenges has begun, working behind the scenes for all of us.
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