The term is derived from the name of an organization in the Kamakura period called Toimaru, which was first engaged in transportation operations, warehousing, and commissioned sales, and later became involved in handling general goods as well.
鎌倉時代に運送、倉庫、委託販売業を兼ね、後には、一般の商品も取り扱うようになった組織問丸に由来する。