Shipping from the Philippines: routes, costs, and what to expect
Shipping from the Philippines isn't as complicated as it seems, but there are things that catch first-time importers off guard. Here's what to expect.
Your two options: sea or air
Sea freight is the standard for anything heavy or bulky. It's cheaper per kilo but slower. You'll either book a full container (FCL) or share container space with other shippers (LCL).
Air freight is faster but costs significantly more per kilo. Use it for samples, urgent orders, high-value lightweight goods, or perishables that need to arrive fresh.
Main ports
Most exports leave through the Port of Manila. Cebu and Davao are also major ports, especially for goods produced in the Visayas and Mindanao. If your supplier is in Cebu, shipping from Cebu port is cheaper than trucking goods to Manila first.
Typical transit times
These are port-to-port estimates. Add 3-5 days for customs clearance and last-mile delivery at your end.
- UK/Europe: 28-35 days by sea, 5-7 days by air - US West Coast: 18-25 days by sea, 3-5 days by air - US East Coast: 25-32 days by sea, 4-6 days by air - Australia: 14-20 days by sea, 3-5 days by air - Japan/Korea: 5-10 days by sea, 2-3 days by air - Middle East: 18-25 days by sea, 4-6 days by air
What affects cost
Volume and weight. Sea freight charges by volume (CBM) or weight, whichever is greater. Air freight charges by actual or volumetric weight.
Container type. A 20ft standard container costs less than a 40ft. Reefer containers (temperature-controlled) cost more than standard.
Season. Rates spike before Chinese New Year (January-February) and in the lead-up to Christmas. Book early if you're shipping in those windows.
Fuel surcharges. These fluctuate and are added on top of the base rate.
Documents you'll need
Your supplier provides: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air), and any product-specific certificates.
You handle (or your customs broker handles): import customs declaration, proof of origin for preferential tariff rates, and any product-specific clearances for your country.
Things that catch people
Demurrage and detention. If you don't pick up your container on time at the port, you pay daily charges. These add up fast. Have your customs broker ready before the ship arrives, not after.
Incorrect HS codes. If your product is classified under the wrong HS code, you might pay higher duties or face delays at customs. Get the classification right before shipping.
Missing certificates. Some products (food, cosmetics, health products, agricultural goods) need specific certificates to enter your country. Find out what you need before you order, not when the container is sitting at your port.
Our recommendation
Use a freight forwarder who handles Philippine exports regularly. They'll know the port procedures, the documentation requirements, and the common pitfalls. Our logistics partners on Philippine Source do this daily. Get quotes from two or three, compare the total cost (not just the freight rate), and ask what's included.