On the Front Lines of Commercialization: SLOC's Journey from Concept to Reality

The SLOC trunk-line relay transport service was born out of the quest to reinvent logistics. By incorporating relay points where drivers can switch off, SLOC aims to reduce individual driving time while enabling cargo delivery within the bounds of labor regulations.

SLOC utilizes swap-body container vehicles, where the cargo compartment can be detached from the vehicle. Coupled with a DENSO-developed QR code-based fleet management system, this setup allows for the seamless coordination of multiple shippers and carriers, optimizing freight transport efficiency.

We previously introduced SLOC in DRIVEN BASE just before the start of the full-scale demonstration experiment. Since then, DENSO has conducted multiple experiments in cooperation with companies from various industries. What did these experiments look like?

In April 2024, DENSO partnered with MITSUI-SOKO Logistics to put SLOC to the test. The goal is to evaluate the potential for reducing driver headcount and COâ‚‚ emissions.

We visited the MITSUI-SOKO Group-Nagoya Office, a relay point gateway, to witness the SLOC operating firsthand. Here's a report with photos showing how truck drivers work utilizing SLOC.

A truck carrying cargo from the Kansai area arrives at Nagoya, the relay point, and parks in the designated spot.

As mentioned earlier, SLOC uses swap-body container vehicles that can detach the cargo compartment (container) from the chassis (vehicle). In the photo on the right, a container is placed and ready to be transferred to the next truck. The vehicle on the left is also going through the same process of detaching the container from the vehicle.

The detaching process begins by lowering the yellow legs attached to the container.

There are six legs in total, and the process was completed smoothly in about five minutes.

After assembling all the legs, the vehicle platform is slowly lowered to separate the container from the vehicle. Finally, the driver carefully checks around the container to ensure proper separation, completing the detachment process.

Lastly, the driver registers the arrival completion in the SLOC operations management system.

The registration process is straightforward: by scanning the QR code displayed on the container’s side, even drivers unfamiliar with electronic devices can easily complete the registration.

This concludes the driver's work at the relay point. While traditional unloading typically takes anywhere from tens of minutes to several hours, SLOC enables drivers to start their return journey in less than 10 minutes.

Then it is time to head back. The truck gradually pulls out from under the swap body container, moving straight ahead.

The driver then returns to their company's nearby Nagoya office.

The detached container is partially unloaded and reloaded by staff at the MITSUI-SOKO Group-Nagoya Office, and another truck takes over to transport it to the Kanto area.

Masato Seki from the Social Innovation Business Development Function Unit, who was present at the site during this demonstration experiment, comments:

"This time, we conducted a demonstration experiment for 'mixed load transport,' where one truck carries various items by consolidating cargo at multiple relay points, including the MITSUI-SOKO Group-Nagoya Office. This approach contributes to reducing the number of drivers needed and COâ‚‚ emissions by enabling one truck to carry more cargo.

In previous experiments, we only swapped containers at relay points. This time, we added partial unloading and reloading of cargo within the container, allowing us to meet complex transportation needs while contributing to efficient transport.

To carry out these operations without waste or strain, understanding MITSUI-SOKO Logistics' on-site situation and coordinating goods and information are essential. We are working closely with their team, exploring the optimal form of SLOC and pushing towards its social implementation."

Through six rounds of demonstration experiments, SLOC has demonstrated its ability to contribute to reducing the number of drivers and COâ‚‚ emissions. Currently, we are in the phase of further improvements, aiming for commercialization in 2025.

In the next article, we will share prospects through interviews with team members promoting SLOC's commercialization.