Japan Launches Shinkansen Freight: Boosting Logistics in March

Japan launches its first dedicated Shinkansen freight service in March, using converted trains to transport 1,000 parcels. This tackles driver shortages and boosts high-speed logistics.

January 29, 2026 4:39 pm

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Japan will launch its first dedicated Shinkansen freight service in March, using a converted E3 series passenger train.
The 7-car train’s capacity is 1,000 parcels, a fivefold increase over using space on active passenger services.
The service targets Japan’s truck driver shortage and CO₂ emissions, creating a high-speed logistics network integrated with international air freight.

TOKYO – Japan’s railway operators will introduce the first freight-only Shinkansen service in March, deploying a converted E3 series train for regular weekday operations between Morioka and Tokyo. This formalizes a service that began with ad-hoc cargo transport in passenger cars in 2021, creating a new logistics vertical for the high-speed rail network.

Category	Specification / Detail
Project Name	Shinkansen Dedicated Freight Service
Rolling Stock	Converted E3 Series (ex-Tsubasa passenger train)
Configuration	7 cars; 394 passenger seats removed
Cargo Capacity	Up to 1,000 parcels per trip
Route	Morioka – Tokyo
Service Launch	March (Regular Operation)

Operational & Technical Details

The E3 series train, previously used for Tsubasa services on the Yamagata Shinkansen, has been fully repurposed. All 394 passenger seats were removed to create an open cargo space. The interior now features non-slip flooring and specialized cargo securing systems. The train will be coupled to a standard passenger service during its run, with loading and unloading handled at railway depots adjacent to stations rather than on passenger platforms. The launch, originally slated for autumn 2025, was postponed after technical issues with new E8 series trains required the E3 units to remain in passenger service longer than planned.

Market Impact Analysis

This initiative is a direct response to Japan’s pressing logistical challenges, primarily the chronic shortage of truck drivers and national pressure to reduce carbon emissions from road transport. By shifting time-sensitive cargo to high-speed rail, operators aim to establish a premium logistics service for perishable goods like seafood, as well as pharmaceuticals and high-value electronics. The strategy extends beyond domestic routes. A second pillar integrates the Shinkansen network with international air cargo. A service launched in January 2026 connects regional cities to Tokyo Haneda Airport, reducing total transit times. A Sendai-Singapore test cut shipping time from over 24 hours to 19 hours. The first commercial use on January 13, 2026, shipped premium seafood from Fukui Prefecture to Taiwan. Future plans include designing purpose-built Shinkansen freight trains and expanding the service to major hubs like Sendai and Niigata.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the strategic value of this new service?

The service aims to alleviate Japan’s truck driver shortage, reduce transport-related CO₂ emissions, and provide faster, more reliable delivery for high-value and perishable goods.

When does the dedicated freight service begin?

Regular commercial operations are scheduled to start in March.