Philippine Trucking Industry: The Extra Miles

April 30, 2021

The 2015 Annual Survey of Philippine Business Industry (ASPBI) in Transportation and Storage revealed that freight truck operation comprised 19.4% (second to freight forwarding with 21.1%) of the total number of establishments engaged in Transportation and Storage activities. Among industries, however, freight truck operation emerged as the top employer – providing 19,104 jobs (10.6% of the total 180,547 workers of the transport sector). Trucking services in the Philippines, unbeknownst to most, play a vital role in national trade and commerce. The country’s complex geographic layout because of its archipelagic formation needs the trucking sector’s aid in terms of logistics operations.

Below are some of the products transported by the trucking sector:

Pharmaceutical (medicines and drugs)
Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – non-durable household goods such as food, beverages, toiletries, grocery items, etc.
Textiles (clothes, fabrics, furniture)
Electronics (computers, televisions, gadgets)
Oil and Gas
Mining (metals, coal, and other mined resources)
Beauty and Healthcare (cosmetics and other medicines)
Cold chain goods (dry ice, gel packs, and other temperature-sensitive items)
Events and Media Management (events and stage equipment)

The variety of transported goods is increasing, as the trucking industry keeps up with the market demands. Not only is the range of goods expanding, but also is the improved process of how logistics is carried out. Most freight trucking companies now offer competitive logistic services – from mere transporting of goods to following a streamlined process that involves professionals ensuring product quality is maintained from point A to point B. Apart from making sure that goods reach their destination, trucking companies make sure that the time, temperature, and handling procedures employed during the transportation are at par with the highest standards to maintain quality. If one will partner with a trucking firm, ensure that the company aims to enable industries with operational efficiency. The company must be known to offer creative ways of supply chain services and offer innovative solutions.

The Philippines, however, appears to have a long way to go in terms of sustaining this facet of the logistics industry. Regulations such as MAGVW (Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight) setting limits of the weight of the trucks to avoid overloading, truck bans in the attempt to address traffic congestion, oil price hikes, excise tax increases brought about by the TRAIN law are just some of the major challenges faced by the trucking industry. Trucking services in the Philippines need more support from the government as they contribute greatly to national economic advancement. As the trucking industry continues to go miles for economic sustainability, the country needs to offer extra miles as well in keeping it continually progressing.