Updated: July 2026, 8

Table of contents

1. Frequently asked questions regarding the transportation industry

2. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Requests to Our Company

• ① It says that the consultation is free, is that true?
• ②I live in an area where I can't go to the office, can you help me?
• ③Will you accommodate me if I can't come due to work on weekdays?

3. FAQ

• ① What is the principle of compatibility?

1. Frequently asked questions regarding the transportation industry

① I would like to open a light vehicle transportation business, but what should I do? 

It is necessary to submit a business notification for a light truck transport business to the transport bureau that has jurisdiction over the prefecture in which the business is conducted. In addition to a garage for the vehicle, it is necessary to secure an office and a rest area.

②What are the conditions necessary to receive a business transfer of equipment?

When transferring equipment from another company, permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is required, and in the case of a merger, it is also required that the succeeding company has already obtained a license.

③Can I get permission if I am not a corporation?

Individuals can also apply for permission. (The documents to be submitted will differ.)

④How much personal funds should I prepare?

Of the budget required to start a transportation business, you need to have at least 50% of your own funds. The details of the funds include labor costs, fuel costs, vehicle costs, repair costs, facility usage fees, automobile tax, automobile weight tax, and insurance premiums.

⑤Is it okay to have an office at my home (apartment)?

It must be separate from the living area. You will need documentation (such as a contract) to prove that you will be using the space as an office for your transportation business.

⑥Once I get a permit, can I open my business anywhere?

When a license is granted, the service area is generally defined by prefecture. For example, if your service area is Tokyo, you can transport goods loaded in Tokyo to Osaka or Hokkaido, and goods destined for Tokyo can be transported from Osaka or Hokkaido. However, you cannot transport goods where both loading and unloading occur outside of the prefecture, such as from Saitama to Fukushima or from Osaka to Hyogo. In such cases, you will need to obtain separate approval for expanding your service area.

⑦Is it okay to have 5 vehicles including regular trucks and light trucks?

Trucks used in the transportation industry are limited to regular vehicles (number 1), small cargo vehicles (number 4), and special vehicles (number 8); light trucks are not applicable.

⑧Can I use any type of business vehicle?

The vehicle inspection certificate must state "cargo" in the "purpose" column. There are no particular restrictions on the shape or load capacity of the vehicle, so even minivans and vans can apply.

⑨Does it have to be a self-owned vehicle?

There is no problem with leasing a vehicle. You must prove that the vehicle can be used for transportation business by having the owner listed on the vehicle inspection certificate.

⑩Does a location bus require a freight transportation business license?

For location buses, it depends on the type of business. If you are only transporting equipment, a cargo transportation business license is sufficient. However, if you are transporting people, you will need a passenger transportation business license.

⑪Is it okay to use a general parking lot where you can rent a few cars?

Regular parking lots are fine, but they must meet the following approval criteria: ・The land used for the garage must not violate the Agricultural Land Act or the City Planning Act ・All vehicles in the garage must be parked at least 50 centimeters apart ・The width of the road in front of the garage must generally be 6.5 meters

⑫If I operate both a general truck transportation business and a light truck transportation business, can I use the business office, rest/napping facilities, etc. at the same time?

In principle, there is no problem if the business offices are the same. However, rest and sleeping facilities must be large enough to accommodate the number of drivers engaged in the general trucking business and the light trucking business, taking into account the operation system.

⑬Are operation managers and maintenance managers required when applying for a permit?

Even if you have not appointed an operations manager or maintenance manager at the time of applying for a license, you can apply for one as "scheduled to be appointed." However, if you are unable to notify the appointment after the license is granted, you will not be able to start your transportation business.

⑭Can an operation manager/maintenance manager act as a driver?

The operation manager must be full-time, so he cannot be the driver.

⑮ How should I secure an operation manager?

It is necessary to hire a qualified operation manager as a full-time employee or to pass the operation manager examination held twice a year.

⑯Can the maintenance manager be outsourced?

Regarding maintenance managers, general freight vehicle transport business operators are not required to appoint one directly at their business premises; they can outsource the position.

⑰ How is continuous operation handled?

By law, continuous driving time for trucks, buses, etc. is set at 4 hours, after which a 30-minute break is required. If this is difficult, it is permitted to divide the driving time into 4-hour increments and take a total of 30 minutes of break.

⑱What are the transportation safety regulations for transportation business?

These are rules that transportation companies must follow when running their transportation business. These are important rules that detail how to handle daily driving reports, roll call records, and driver ledgers.

⑲What is the three-month inspection required by transportation companies?

Transportation companies, including truck, bus, and taxi operators, are legally required to conduct vehicle inspections every three months. Except for those requiring extensive disassembly, these inspections are to be performed by the operators themselves. Therefore, regulations stipulate that, in order to prevent accidents, they must plan and record inspections every three months after vehicle purchase.

⑳What is the transportation safety management system?

The system was introduced in October 18 for transportation companies with the aim of building a safety management system that unites everyone from executives to the workplace, spreading safety awareness throughout the company, and establishing a culture that prioritizes safety. It is a system.

㉑What is the licensing status for transportation businesses that transport people requiring care or people with physical disabilities?

Permit requirements differ for each business, but if you are operating a transportation business for the purpose of transporting people in need of care or physically disabled people, you can apply for a permit with a minimum of 1 vehicle.

㉒What kind of exam is the Officer Law Examination?

After your general freight transport business application is accepted, you will receive a notice of the legal examination from the Kanto District Transport Bureau. The applicant must take and pass the legal examination.

㉓What is the G mark?

The G mark is a symbol of "safety-excellent business establishments" certified and issued by the National Trucking Optimization Project Implementation Organization (All Japan Trucking Association). The mark is a proof of safety, security, and reliability that is only given to safety-excellent business establishments.

㉔What are the benefits of receiving G Mark certification?

By obtaining the G Mark, you can obtain the following benefits. ・Normally, violation points are cleared after three years, but if no violation points are reimbursed for two years after they were issued, the violation points can be cleared. ・Face-to-face roll calls can be substituted with some equipment specified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, such as television cameras. ・Roll calls at other offices in the case of fixed-time operation between two points, and roll calls between group companies located on the same premises are approved. ・The minimum number of vehicles required for subsidies for CNG trucks, etc. is relaxed from three to one. ・Some non-life insurance companies apply their own premium discounts.

㉕What should I do to get the G mark?

To obtain the G mark, a total of 38 evaluation items are set up under three themes: compliance with safety laws, accident and violation status, and proactiveness in safety initiatives. Businesses that receive an evaluation score of 100 or more out of a total of 80 points are certified as excellent safety business establishments.

㉖If I start a business, do I need to enroll in social insurance?

Even if you are not enrolled at the time of obtaining permission, you will need to enroll in employment insurance, social insurance, and welfare pension when you actually hire employees and start your business.

㉗Are there any necessary procedures after obtaining a general freight vehicle transportation business license?

There is no renewal of the general freight vehicle transport business license, but you must submit a business report and business performance report every year. In addition, if you change the freight rate or the representative of the corporation, you will need to go through the procedure to change the general freight vehicle transport business.

㉘How long does the review take?

After the documents are accepted, the review will take about 3 to 4 months. If there are any missing documents or corrections, we will make the necessary corrections. During this period, the review will be stopped, so it may take some time to complete the review.

2. Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Requests to Our Company

It says that the consultation is free, is that true?

We offer free consultations, no matter how many times you need them. These consultations are free not only by phone but also in person. If any fees are incurred, we will provide an estimate beforehand and obtain your consent, so please rest assured.

I live in an area where I can't go to the office, can you help me?

Please contact us by phone or email first. If necessary, we will arrange a meeting at your location.

Will you accommodate me if I can't come on weekdays due to work?

If you make a reservation in advance, we can also provide consultations in the evenings and on weekends. You can come and visit us at a time that is convenient for you.

3. FAQ

① What is the principle of compatibility?

If you make a reservation in advance, we can also provide consultations in the evenings and on weekends. You can come and visit us at a time that is convenient for you.