When you work with a freight forwarder in the Philippines, you are expected to follow a couple of guidelines to ensure all goods are shipped in the best condition. These guidelines help you avoid common mistakes in the logistics process. It also helps you optimize your supply chain by minimizing risks and delays when shipping your products. 

If you are still unsure where to start, you must become familiar with common industry practices. This article outlines the dos and don’ts to remember when shipping with cargo forwarders to the Philippines.

Dos and Don’ts that Cargo Forwarders in the Philippines Want You to Know

Planning Dos and Don’ts

1. DO plan in advance.

Plan thoroughly ahead of time. Logistics planning involves extensive decision making, risk assessment, and mitigation. Depending on your type of cargo (e.g. courier/express, cold chain, container, dangerous goods, project cargo), you will require different lead times. Most cargo forwarders in the Philippines may require permits from various local agencies, especially for special types of shipment.

2. DO find a reliable freight forwarder.

A successful supply chain is not without an expert logistics provider. It is fundamental for businesses to keep a good partnership with trustworthy cargo forwarders in the Philippines. Aside from simplifying the shipment process, they should also be able to provide key and auxiliary solutions to your logistics dilemmas. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when looking for a cargo forwarder:

• Are they familiar with your industry?
• Do they provide the transportation you need (e.g. land or sea transport)?
• Do they offer competitive rates?
• Are they equipped and trained to handle sensitive cargo?
• How long is their shipping experience?
• Do they consistently provide customer support?

3. DO get cargo insurance.

Regardless if you’re shipping high-value goods or documents, it is important to protect your goods from potential hazards. Insurance serves as your financial safety net against instances like damage, loss, or theft. A freight forwarder in the Philippines typically applies automatic cargo insurance coverage to all goods. They also allow you to declare beyond the maximum allowed value, which is more affordable than availing an external or separate insurance.  

4. DON’T forget to prepare a backup plan.

Not every shipment goes as smoothly as desired. When sea or road conditions are uncertain, or internal hiccups can cause major delays, it’s important to have a backup plan. This should be part of risk planning before engaging with cargo forwarders in the Philippines. A contingency plan helps you stay agile and flexible during sudden interruptions.

Packing Dos and Don’ts

1. DO use proper, quality packaging.

Cargo can be packed in different ways, but any freight forwarder in the Philippines will always encourage your to use the proper types of packaging. Using the wrong, poor quality containers can result in damaged cargo and financial losses.

Cartons, pallets, crates, shrink wrap, and straps are some of the most common materials you can find on cargo shipments. Choose something that is durable, moisture and waterproof, and helps maintain stability against vehicle movement during transit.

2. DO label goods properly.

Invest in large, readable, and visible labels. Print all necessary cargo and handling information on weatherproof stickers and place them in such a way that handlers can easily see them. Be mindful of industry standards, as well. For instance, dangerous cargo must be labeled with the proper IMDG codes and stickers, while fragile items should be labeled as such. 

3. DON’T mix hazardous goods with general cargo.

This practice is crucial for safety and compliance. Mixing various types of goods together can cause untoward incidents like fires, chemical or gas leaks, and physical damage to items. It can also cause contamination and foul odors to transfer to food or beverage items. 

If you’re shipping diverse types of cargo, consult freight forwarding companies in the Philippines to see what specialized shipping options they have, such as:

• Containerized Shipping
• Dry Bulk Shipping
• Liquid or Gas Bulk Shipping / Tankers
• Trucking
• Refrigerated Container
• Refrigerated Trucking
• Break Bulk Shipping
• Project Cargo

4. DON’T overpack your boxes.

Most cargo forwarders to the Philippines set a weight limit to ensure the safety of each shipment. Overpacking can lead to bursting, leaks, or spills. It also contributes to uneven weight distribution and causes decreased stability while cargo is in transit. Overweight items can also cause harm to handling personnel during the loading and unloading process.

Cargo Booking Dos and Don’ts

1. DO book as early as you can.

Advanced cargo bookings are usually made two to three weeks prior to the departure of the ship. Most freight forwarding companies in the Philippines, however, allow ROPAX bookings made at least 1 day before the scheduled departure, while Freighter bookings are accommodated before the assigned loading cut off time (LCT). If you’re shipping during peak season, cargo vessels can be fully booked.

2. DO accomplish the necessary paperwork.

Special types of cargo may require additional clearances and permits to transport from concerned agencies. Below are some of the common mandated permits and their corresponding offices:

3. DON’T misdeclare your items.

Be truthful when declaring the contents of your cargo. Misdeclared cargo can be intercepted or seized by authorities and lead to heavy fines and financial losses. Legal consequences can be imposed on misdeclared dangerous items.

How to Choose Reliable Freight Forwarding Companies in the Philippines

Partner with a freight forwarder who understands your business goals and can provide efficient solutions whenever you need them. Here are some pointers to note when looking for a dependable logistics provider:

• Communicate your goals. Make sure that both you and your chosen shipping company understand the things you want to accomplish with your shipment.
• Look for experts. Choose a reputable provider with proven years of experience in navigating your target routes and handling specialized cargo.
• Assess their network. Check whether the company has a limited or extensive network in the regions you plan to ship to. A nationwide network is essential for potential market expansion.
• Ensure proactive customer service. Check online reviews and peer experiences to gain insight on their customer care, particularly during times of crisis or emergency in transit.
• Explore flexible costing. Ask about their costing strategy and declare any special handling requirements you may have. This way, they can offer customized, more budget-friendly solutions.

When you observe the right cargo shipping practices, you don’t just optimize your logistics process. You also make it easier to work with cargo forwarders in the Philippines. Enhanced preparation minimizes delays, errors, and shows your responsibility in initiating a smooth-sailing shipping experience.

ALSO READ: How to Ensure Safe Cargo Handling in the Philippines

Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. is one of the major shipping and freight forwarding companies in the Philippines. We support key industries that power the country’s economic growth. Chelsea specializes in the transport of petroleum-based products for the biggest Filipino oil and gas firms. Our subsidiaries, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Starlite Ferries, and SuperCat Fast Ferries offer passenger, RoPax, and cargo delivery services across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

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