Ocean Freight to Philippines

Shipping ocean freight to the Philippines opens access to a rapidly growing archipelago economy with over 100 million people, rising consumer demand, expanding manufacturing, and key gateway ports such as Manila, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. iContainers supports global shippers with transparent quoting, service options and tailored destination expertise into the Philippines.

Why Ship to the Philippines with iContainers?

The Philippines presents a high-growth opportunity, increased import needs, and multiple port gateways across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Whether shipping from Asia, Europe or the Americas, iContainers enables FCL and LCL services, routing flexibility and destination-knowledge for the Philippines.

Large, Growing & Consumer-Driven Market

• With a population of about 100 million, the Philippines ranks among Asia's most populous countries.
• Imports include electronics, garments, machinery, components and consumer goods-making ocean freight into the country a strategic move.
• Because of its archipelagic geography and rising middle-class demand, shippers benefit from diversified port options and inland logistics solutions.

Flexible Service Options (FCL & LCL)

• Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for large shipments destined for the Philippines, offering fewer handling steps and stronger control.
• Less than Container Load (LCL) suits smaller volumes, pilot shipments or mixed SKU loads into the Philippine market.
• Through iContainers you gain digital quote + booking for these service types, enabling better budget and transit planning.

End-to-End Support for Philippine Routes

• Support includes global pickup, export documentation, ocean transit, Philippine port arrival and inland delivery across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
• Multiple Philippine port options mean you can optimise cost vs transit time depending on final destination island and region.

Ocean Freight Services to the Philippines

FCL Shipping to the Philippines

Choose FCL when your cargo fills a 20′ or 40′ container (e.g., industrial equipment, full pallet sets, high-volume goods). This route reduces consolidation delays, simplifies inland handling and speeds customs clearance in the Philippines.

LCL Shipping to the Philippines

LCL is recommended when you have smaller volumes, mixed SKUs or are testing the Filipino market. It offers cost-efficiency and lower risk when full-container commitment is not yet justified.

Shipping Costs to the Philippines

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Several factors impact landed cost when shipping to the Philippines:

• Origin region and route: Asia routes are shorter and often lower cost; Europe/Americas may involve transhipments.
• Container type & size: 20′ vs 40′ vs 40′ HC, plus specialised equipment (reefers, open-top) affect cost.
• Destination port and inland delivery: Manila vs Davao vs Cagayan de Oro have different handling costs and inland transport distances.
• Terminal handling, surcharges, fuel & currency adjustments: These vary based on market conditions.
• Seasonal demand and capacity: Peak holiday seasons (e.g., Southeast Asian festivals) may affect container space and pricing.

With iContainers you receive full cost transparency - you can view origin, ocean, destination handling and inland delivery components.

Transit Times to the Philippines

Typical Transit Durations

• From Asia to the Philippines: relatively short transit times given geography.
• From North America or Europe: transit times depend on routing, transhipments and final island destination.

Factors That Can Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of trans-shipments or feeder vessel calls.
• Philippine port congestion (especially Manila).
• Island geography: inland delivery logistics vary significantly between Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
• Customs clearance and import documentation completeness.

Main Ports in the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago provides multiple container gateways; selecting the right one helps optimise cost & transit.

Port of Manila

The premier international shipping gateway to the Philippines and its largest container port.

Port of Davao

Located in Mindanao, this port handles container cargo, raw-material exports and general cargo, serving the southern Philippines.

Port of Cagayan de Oro

Located in northern Mindanao with significant container yard capacity, suitable for regional import flows.

How to Choose the Right Port

• Match your origin routing and desired transit time.
• Consider final delivery location within the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao).
• Assess carrier service availability, container equipment and inland connectivity.
• Compare cost vs transit time trade-off.

How to Book Your Shipment to the Philippines

Required Documents

Typical documents required when shipping to the Philippines include:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List.
• Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill.
• HS codes and accurate cargo description.
• Importer registration or consignee information in the Philippines.
• Any additional permits or certifications for regulated goods.

Customs & Regulatory Overview

• The Philippine customs authority requires accurate valuation and cargo description.
• Specific goods may need import permits or regulatory clearances (e.g., certain electronics, chemicals, food).
• Delays often stem from incomplete documentation or island-logistics constraints; planning helps mitigate risk.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Request an online quote with origin, destination (Philippines), cargo details.
• Compare service types (FCL vs LCL), ports, transit times and costs.
• Confirm booking and upload required documentation.
• Arrange origin pickup and container loading.
• Track ocean transit to the Philippine port.
• Upon arrival: customs clearance, port handling and inland delivery.
• Final delivery to warehouse, retail site or consignee location.