Theory and Practice of Joint Logistics in Japan

（Henan University of Economics and Law，Zhengzhou，Henan450046，China）

Abstract：In recent years，there are so many environment and traffic problems aroused by the problem of“reducing cost and increasing effectiveness”and logistic activities；and these problems have become the bottleneck that hindering the development of logistics. Under this background，in 1960s，the joint logistics existing in Japan has become a kind of effective method and way for us to learn. Enterprises taking part in joint logistics build the joint logistic system through cooperation in the field of logistics， which can not only improve the operational efficiency of logistics and reduce logistic cost，but also can effectively cope with some social and environment problems，such as traffic jam，exhaust gas emission，and noise pollution. Based on the existing theoretical research，the author analyzes the connotation，leading main players，development pattern，and driving and hindering factors；it is found that：the key to realize joint logistics is the management and maintenance of relation among related enterprises. The application of joint logistics in Japan shows that joint logistics led by multi- cargo- owner- enterprises has stronger vitality. Case study shows that：joint logistics among enterprises in different industries can enhance the trust relation among related enterprises，and promote the development of joint logistics. The future development of joint logistics is to promote the development of horizontal joint logistics in the same industry，which is the effective way for us to cope with economic and social problem.

Key words：joint logistics；joint logistics system；inter-firm relationship；dominant subject；horizontal joint logistics in the same industry