As an importer managing deliveries from China to the Philippines, I’ve found that multi-modal transport—using a mix of sea, air, and land logistics—offers a great balance of speed, cost, and flexibility. But to make it work smoothly, I had to get clear on both the import clearance process and how to line up Philippines delivery services.
1. Plan the Right Mode Mix (Sea + Land, or Air + Land)
For bulky shipments, I typically use sea freight from China, then transfer to truck delivery within the Philippines. For urgent orders, I’ll switch to air freight, followed by local courier delivery. Coordinating between these modes can be tricky, so I always choose a forwarder experienced in multi-modal shipping.
2. Choose a Provider with End-to-End Visibility
To avoid gaps in tracking, I work with a logistics partner that handles:
- Booking in China
- Import clearance in the Philippines
- Final-mile delivery to my warehouse or customer
This way, I avoid handoffs between too many parties and get a clear timeline for each stage.
3. Follow the Import Clearance Guide for the Philippines
This part is critical. The import clearance process in the Philippines includes:
- Submission of complete shipping documents (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading)
- Payment of duties and taxes
- Bureau of Customs release
My forwarder helps ensure all documents match and are submitted on time, reducing delays at customs.
4. Match Your Delivery Service to the Cargo Type
Once the shipment clears, I use Philippines delivery services that best fit the goods:
- Light parcels: local courier (LBC, J&T Express)
- Pallets: regional trucking firms
- High-value: insured and trackable services
Having flexible options keeps my supply chain running even during peak or weather delays.
5. Coordinate Timelines Between Each Transport Leg
Delays in one mode can affect the entire chain. I always double-check:
- Vessel arrival dates
- Truck availability at port
- Delivery lead times in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao
A good logistics planner helps keep everything synced so I avoid warehouse overflows or late deliveries.
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. What is multi-modal transport for international shipping?
It’s a shipment method using two or more transport modes (e.g., sea + land) under one contract for efficiency.
2. How do I clear goods when using multi-modal shipping to the Philippines?
Follow the import clearance process with the Bureau of Customs, ensuring all documents and duties are in order.
3. Can I track all legs of a multi-modal shipment?
Yes, if your logistics provider offers integrated tracking across sea, air, and land segments.
4. What delivery services are used for China orders in the Philippines?
Depending on size and urgency, you can use local couriers, regional trucks, or warehousing + distribution services.
5. Is multi-modal transport cost-effective for Philippine imports?
Yes, it often reduces total cost by balancing slower but cheaper legs (like sea freight) with faster delivery options inland.