Logistics isn’t just about getting goods from one place to another, but it involves several intricate processes that are tailored to every client’s needs. Every kind of product, cargo, or package tends to require different handling methods or delivery lead times. It is crucial to find the right types of logistics services to efficiently fulfill your business operation.

Whether it be a business or personal requirement, many logistics services in the Philippines provide sufficient solutions for your needs. Learn about the kinds of services you can avail of below.

7 Types of Logistics Services in the Philippines for Your Business Needs

1. Transportation

One of the most important types of logistics services is transportation. It refers to the actual movement of goods from one destination to the next. It encompasses route planning, fleet management, and packaging safety practices. There are many ways in which products are transported, including:

• Maritime Transport – Moving goods via watercraft such as cargo and passenger vessels, involves maritime activities significant to international trade
• Road / Land Transport – Movement of goods using vehicles, railway, and other methods based on the ground, examples include trucks, vans, or trains.
• Air Transport – Moving products by means of aircraft such as planes or helicopters.

2. Courier Shipping

Documents, packages, and other smaller consignments are typically shipped in the fastest way possible: through courier shipping. This is used by most e-commerce platforms and businesses to achieve speedy delivery. Some forms of courier shipping are:

• Local courier – Delivery within a certain area only (ex. Visayas-only courier, delivery within the Philippines only)
• Global courier – International shipping services (ex. Philippines to Southeast Asian countries, Philippines to USA, Europe, China, or Japan)
• Standard delivery – Deliveries that usually take 2-3 days to arrive, set standard guidelines and prices for certain weight, dimensions, and destinations
• Same-day couriers – Ship packages within the day, suitable for short-distance and rush deliveries

3. Freight Shipping

Compared to courier, freight shipping allows the handling, transport, and delivery of large quantities and bulky items. A container is used to consolidate cargo, then is loaded into a vessel such as a sea freight carrier. Freight shipping is much more customizable and flexible compared to courier shipping, especially for enormous, heavy, or uneven cargo.

• Full container load / FCL shipping – A single supplier fills the entire container with their freight
• Less than container load / LCL shipping – Multiple suppliers consolidate their separate freight into one container
• Reefer / Refrigerated – Specialized containers are used for temperature-sensitive, chilled, or frozen cargo (ex. Pharmaceutical products, food, dairy)
• Project cargo – Extra care and handling logistics service for overly large, bulky cargo that cannot fit in an ordinary container
• Tanker – Freight vessels that carry bulk liquid cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products, and other chemicals.

4. Cargo Handling

Stevedoring and cargo handling is a service that uses different methods to transport and move cargo and goods. This involves the use of machinery such as forklifts, cranes, conveyor belts, and other types of rigging. For example, cargo handlers lift containers on or off a ship using cranes for yard stowing or transport.

5. Freight Forwarding

Freight forwarding and shipping are two distinct types of logistics services. While shipping involves the actual movement of cargo from one place to another, freight forwarding encompasses nearly all processes involved in logistics. They are equipped with the necessary means, knowledge, and capacity to fulfill more complex tasks on behalf of a client, such as:

• Customs clearance
• Warehousing 
• Supply chain management
• Transportation services and coordination 
• Actual logistics services
• Risk prevention and insurance

6. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Businesses may outsource services through 3PL or third-party logistics companies. These services provide logistics solutions for shipping, freight, or end-to-end. 3PL is one of the types of logistics services that take the burden off businesses so they can concentrate on other operations.

7. Warehousing

Some logistics services offer commercial facilities for the storage of goods before they are shipped out. There are different factors that affect warehousing services, such as temperature control for goods, space organization, and inventory management. The types of warehouses vary in size, capacity, and features, ranging from smart warehouses, public, or private facilities.

Many logistics services in the Philippines offer varying solutions for B2B, B2C, and personal logistics needs. By identifying which type suits your goals best, you can invest in a well-reputed, reliable logistics company to help you streamline your operations.

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Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. is a national leader in the Philippine shipping industry, pioneering its cargo, passenger, tanker, tugboat, and logistics services among Filipino consumers and business partners. Contact us today to avail of our services.

Find out which types of logistics services in the Philippines suit your business. From courier or freight shipping to transportation, there is a solution for you.