Despite the slowdown in domestic trade in the third quarter of 2024, many businesses are seeking cargo shipping services in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the value of domestic trade in the third quarter decreased by 29 percent to P183.73 billion from P258.8 billion in the same period in 2023.
In terms of value, 99.8 percent of the commodities traded within the country were transported via water or coastwise, while the remaining were traded through air.
Transportify country director Kelvin Caro noted that Cebu often receives more goods from other parts of the country due to its strategic location. Several cargo shipping firms have emerged to cater to the demands of these businesses.
Davao, on the other hand, is a bustling city with significant trade activities, creating a demand for cargo shipping services as businesses seek fast and efficient ways to transport their products, says Caro.
Business owners have several options for cargo shipping, including air freight, land freight, and sea freight, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Caro mentioned that the RORO (roll-on roll-off) service from Cebu to Davao is similar to sending cargo from Manila to Davao. Sea freight is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport goods, given Cebu’s island location and Davao’s position on the Mindanao mainland.
Caro explained that RORO sea freight involves loading and unloading cargo onto ships, a popular method due to its speed and efficiency. This method allows for quick loading and unloading, saving time. Moreover, it helps businesses save on transportation costs by enabling bulk shipping.
Logisticsbid, a logistics platform, highlighted the benefits of using RORO for cargo shipping from Cebu to Davao. In addition to being fast and cost-effective, sea freight offers convenience, safety, security, and reliability.
“One of the best things about sea freight is its convenience. This type of cargo shipping is door-to-door, so businesses do not have to worry about picking up or delivering their cargo. This saves businesses a lot of time and money, allowing them to focus on their core operations,” according to Logisticsbid.
“Another benefit of sea freight is its safety and security. It is often used for high-value cargo because it offers a higher level of security. Sea freight companies have security protocols in place and insurance to cover any lost or damaged cargo. Businesses can be assured that they will be compensated if something happens to their cargo,” says Logisticsbid.
“Sea freight is also very reliable and is often used for time-sensitive cargo because it offers a higher level of reliability. Sea freight companies can deliver cargo on time due to their extensive experience in cargo shipping and their good relationships with port authorities, which helps them get cargo through customs quickly,” Logisticsbid added. (Edu Lopez)
