FAST Highlights MSME Logistics Solutions for Davao-Based Businesses

FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading end-to-end logistics company, showcased its integrated solutions designed to support the warehousing and transport needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Davao.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Davao City Field Office, FAST held a Solutions Roadshow and Roundtable Discussion with Davao MSMEs on Friday, January 30, at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases in Davao City. 

The event brought together business owners, government agencies — including DTI Region 11, the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, and the Philippine Ports Authority Port Management Office of Davao — and other industry stakeholders to discuss the logistics challenges faced by MSMEs and practical solutions to address them.

MSME Logistics Solutions for Growth: Cost-Efficiency, Reliability, and Wide Network Reach

FAST Business Unit Head for Inland Freight Oli Encabo noted that cost remains the top concern of MSMEs for their market expansion.

He shared survey results from 38 Davao-based business owners who registered for the event: 78% said high logistics costs were their biggest challenge, and 47% pointed to limited pickup and delivery schedules.

The same survey also revealed the top factors MSMEs consider when choosing a logistics partner: price (94%), reliability (81%), customer service (76%), pickup or delivery schedules (68%), and network reach (57%).

Oli said the results underscore the need for solutions-oriented logistics providers that can offer tailor-fit support for MSMEs.

In his opening remarks, he emphasized FAST’s 50 years in the logistics industry serving major brands, reflecting the company’s commitment to solving customer challenges. 

Moreover, he highlighted FAST’s expansive network covering 94% of Philippine provinces, supported by a fleet of 3,100 trucks and over 900 trucking partners nationwide to meet the transport requirements of businesses of all sizes.

Oli also reaffirmed FAST’s commitment to building partnerships with stakeholders to develop solutions for MSMEs. Addressing the audience, he noted that FAST has been a steadfast partner of the government in helping MSMEs expand market reach with topnotch logistics solutions.

“We want to help local businesses. Focus on growing your business. We will take care of transporting your products. That is our vision,” Oli said. “What we want is for your products to be available throughout Mindanao and across the entire Philippines.”

Integrated Logistics Solutions: Agility and Supply Chain Resiliency

FAST Senior Managers for Commercial Development of New Verticals Joey Nuñez and Leandro Gochoco explained that end-to-end, integrated logistics solutions are advantageous for MSMEs seeking to expand. 

They noted that combining key solutions — multi-modal transport (inland freight, RoRo, sea freight, and air freight), warehousing, crossdocking, ColdChain, and value-added services — under one logistics partner enables faster, more coordinated movement of goods from origin to destination.

They noted that having these capabilities integrated in a single logistics network reduces handoffs between providers, improves shipment visibility and coordination, and helps MSMEs manage time-sensitive and high-volume deliveries. 

With FAST’s integrated capabilities, it supports MSME growth by making operations more predictable. 

End-to-End Trade Fair Logistics Support: Convenience, Peace of Mind for Davao MSMEs

FAST also presented its end-to-end trade fair support — a comprehensive solution that manages product pickup, transport, permits, and delivery to the trade fair venue. This allows MSMEs to focus on engaging buyers and showcasing their products during DTI-organized trade fairs, without the burden of managing complex transport logistics.

FAST expressed its commitment to supporting DTI Davao’s trade activities outside Mindanao, noting the region’s active participation in both locally organized trade fairs and national events that promote DTI-assisted MSMEs.

With FAST’s end-to-end trade fair support, products are picked up and delivered directly to the venue. MSMEs simply need to arrive on their scheduled ingress date, with their products already in place and ready for display.

The event is part of FAST’s broader initiative to strengthen its local presence in Mindanao. The company also convened MSMEs in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas in Misamis Oriental last week, in partnership with DTI Misamis Oriental.

With over 50 years of industry leadership, FAST remains a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions in the Philippines. Businesses seeking to expand market reach should partner with FAST. Connect with our Solutions Experts to learn more.