Types of Shipping in the Philippines: Land, Sea, and Air

By Cat Dewinta - August 16, 2023

Types of Shipping in the Philippines
Shipping plays an important role in the economy of the Philippines, having to cater for transactions within more than 7,000 islands of the country. The Philippines relies on different types of shipping for different goods, commodities, and resources. Learn more as you go through the discussion below.

Land Shipping in the Philippines

Land shipping, also called land freight or land transportation, involves the movement of goods and cargo through land using vehicles like trucks, trains, and pipelines. In the Philippines, land shipping is generally through truck delivery, while commuters use trains, and pipelines are currently in the developmental phase.

Land Shipping Characteristics

Versatility in types of cargo handled

Through land shipping, businesses can transport a wide range of products and materials to their customers. Some of the most common cargo types transported by land shipping include consumer goods, food and beverages, construction materials, and industrial supplies.

Flexible and extensive network of routes

Land shipping is a reliable and cost-effective way to transport cargo to various destinations. Its extensive network of routes can be adapted as a valuable asset for businesses and offer various transportation options, such as trucks, trains, and barges.

Cost-effective transportation solution

Land shipping uses a network of existing infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and waterways. This can save businesses money on transportation costs, as they do not need to invest in constructing new infrastructure.

Faster transit times compared to sea shipping

Land shipping has faster transit times than sea shipping because land shipping typically takes direct routes, which means fewer stops and delays along the way. It is also observed that land shipping has faster customs clearance than sea shipping, which means that there is less chance of delays due to customs inspections.

Here are some of the advantages of Land Shipping:

Accessibility: Land shipping is accessible to a wide range of businesses and industries because it can be used to transport goods to and from any location that is connected by roads, railways, or waterways.
Cost-effectiveness: Land shipping does not require the use of specialized equipment or facilities, and it can be easily adapted to meet the specific needs of businesses.
Flexibility: Land shipping is a flexible mode of transportation and can be used to transport large or heavy cargo, or it can be used to transport time-sensitive cargo.
Speed: It can be used to transport goods over short distances quickly, and it can also be used to transport goods over long distances relatively quickly.

Land shipping also comes with several limitations, including:

Limited distance: If there are no roads or railways that will connect the two locations, land shipping cannot be used to transport goods between those locations.
Traffic and congestion: It is especially true in areas with high population densities or during peak travel times that can delay the delivery of goods that are being transported stuck in a traffic jam.
Infrastructure limitations: If a road is in poor condition, then this can slow down the delivery of goods that are being transported by truck.
Environmental impact: Land shipping vehicles emit pollutants into the atmosphere, which can contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Land Shipping Companies

The Philippines has a long, winding coastline, making it an ideal land-shipping location. Several land shipping companies in the Philippines offer various services, including door-to-door delivery, freight forwarding, and warehousing. Some of the most popular land shipping companies in the Philippines include:

Transportify: An online trucking that connects shippers with carriers. Transportify is a convenient and affordable way to ship cargo by land. It is a good option for businesses that need to ship cargo regularly, or that need to ship cargo to multiple destinations.
Black Arrow Express: An end to end logistics solutions that offers a variety of services, including domestic and international shipping. Black Arrow Express is known for its fast and reliable service.
Ninja Van: A logistics partner that offers a variety of services, including same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and deferred delivery. Ninja Van is known for its affordable prices and flexible delivery options.
Lalamove: A ride-hailing and delivery service that offers a variety of services, including same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and deferred delivery. Lalamove is known for its convenient and affordable service.

Sea Shipping in the Philippines

Sea shipping refers to transporting goods and cargo by ships across bodies of water, such as oceans and seas. In the Philippines, sea shipping is done more often, even if the sea shipping is only within the country, to connect the different islands of the archipelago.

Sea Shipping Characteristics

Transport large volumes of goods and heavy cargoes
Sea shipping is well-suited for transporting large volumes of goods and heavy cargoes. Ships can carry hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, which makes them a cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods.
Well-suited for transporting goods that are not time-sensitive
Sea shipping is not well-suited for transporting goods that are time-sensitive. The transit time for sea shipping can be weeks or even months, which can be too long for some goods.
Contributes significantly to the global economy through international trade
Sea shipping contributes significantly to the global economy through international trade. It allows businesses to import and export goods from all over the world, which helps to boost the global economy.

Here are some of the advantages of Sea Shipping:

Cost-Effective for Large Volumes: Sea shipping is a cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods. This is because ships can carry hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, which lowers the cost per unit of goods.
Versatility: Sea shipping caters to a diverse range of cargo types, including bulk commodities, perishable goods, and oversized items. Its versatility makes it a viable option for different industries and shipping requirements.
Lower Fuel Consumption and Environmental Impact: Sea shipping is a more fuel-efficient mode of transportation than other modes, such as air or road shipping. This is because ships are able to travel long distances without refueling.

Sea shipping also has several disadvantages, including:

Longer Transit Times: One of the primary drawbacks of sea shipping is the longer transit times compared to air or land transportation. This is because ships travel long distances and must often wait for favorable weather conditions.
Reliance on Weather Conditions: Sea shipping is reliant on weather conditions. Ships can be delayed or even lost due to storms, hurricanes, and other weather events.
Documentation and Customs Procedures: Sea shipping can be complex due to the need for documentation and customs clearance. This can add to the cost and time of shipping goods by sea.

Sea Shipping Companies

Cheska Freight: Cheska Freight has earned a reputable position as one of the freight forwarders offering a comprehensive range of sea shipping services. They ensure timely deliveries while adhering to stringent safety standards. Their team of experienced professionals and robust infrastructure have contributed to their sustained success in the maritime sector.
CTSI Logistics: CTSI Logistics has established itself as a leading sea freight forwarding company, specializing in delivering cost-effective and efficient transportation solutions. With a broad network of global connections, they offer seamless access to major trade routes.
Evergreen Shipping Lines: As one of the world’s largest integrated shipping companies, Evergreen Shipping Lines has a significant presence for their commitment to innovation and customer-centric approach that made them at the forefront of the maritime industry.
Maersk: A global powerhouse in the shipping industry, Maersk, has a strong foothold in the Philippines as well. Their vast fleet, advanced technology, and expertise in logistics allow them to offer seamless door-to-door services.

Air Shipping in the Philippines

Air shipping is a mode of transportation that uses aircraft to transport goods and materials. It is the fastest mode of transportation, and it is well-suited for transporting time-sensitive goods.

Air Shipping Characteristics

Unparalleled speed and efficiency
Air shipping is the fastest mode of transportation. This makes it ideal for transporting time-sensitive goods, such as medical supplies, perishables, and electronics.
Global Connectivity
Air shipping has a global reach. This means that goods can be transported to almost any destination in the world.
High Level of Security
Cargo transported by air is subject to stringent security measures, ensuring the safety of valuable and sensitive goods.
Visibility and Tracking Capabilities
Air shipping offers visibility and tracking capabilities. This means that businesses can track their shipments in real time, which helps to ensure that goods arrive on time and in good condition.
Higher Cost
Air shipping is the most expensive mode of transportation. This is because aircraft are expensive to operate and require a lot of fuel.

Here are some of the advantages of Air Shipping:

Speed and efficiency: Air shipping is the fastest mode of transportation, which makes it ideal for transporting time-sensitive goods.
Global connectivity: Air shipping has a global reach, which means that goods can be transported to almost any destination in the world.
Reliability and predictability: Air shipping is a reliable mode of transportation, and it is relatively predictable in terms of transit times.
Reduced inventory holding costs: Air shipping can help to reduce inventory holding costs by allowing businesses to receive goods more quickly.
Enhanced security: Air shipping is a secure mode of transportation, which helps to protect goods from theft and damage.

The limitations of using Air Shipping are as follows:

Higher cost: Air shipping is the most expensive mode of transportation.
Limited capacity for oversized or heavy cargo: Air shipping has limited capacity for oversized or heavy cargo.
Environmental impact: Air shipping has a higher environmental impact than other modes of transportation.
Potential delays and disruptions: Air shipping is more susceptible to delays and disruptions than other modes of transportation, such as road or sea shipping.

Air Shipping Companies

Airspeed Cargo: Known for its efficient air freight services, Airspeed Cargo offers reliable transportation solutions for businesses across the Philippines.
AP Cargo Logistics: Stands as a reputable air shipping company with wide array of services offered, providing expedited delivery services and global connectivity.
FedEx: A global leader in logistics,FedEx offers reliable air shipping solutions with extensive coverage in the Philippines.
TNT Express: TNT which is now FedEx Express is known for its efficient air freight services, catering to businesses of all sizes.
Pacific Cargo Services: A prominent air shipping company known for delivering excellence, Pacific Cargo Services offers reliable and secure transportation solutions.