FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ largest third-party logistics provider (3PL), joined key industry stakeholders in calling for stronger collaboration and practical solutions to rising logistics costs during the Logistics Service Philippines (LSPH) Conference and Exhibition 2026: The Partnership Lunch.

Held on Monday, March 30, at Fairmont Makati, the event was hosted by PortCalls Asia in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Supply Chain and Logistics Group. It served as a pre-conference engagement for the LSPH Conference & Exhibition 2026 scheduled on May 6, which will also mark the 30th anniversary of PortCalls Asia.

The event brought together business leaders and executives from logistics companies, port operators, trucking associations, shipping lines, airline carriers, and exporters to help shape the theme, format, and panel discussions of the upcoming conference. 

Stakeholders focused discussions on rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and aligned on the need for coordinated, industry-wide responses.

Addressing Logistics Inefficiencies

During the program, Manny highlighted that FAST is optimistic that the upcoming LSPH Conference & Exhibition 2026 would lead to actionable solutions that the industry can adopt quickly to address current cost pressures on fuel.

The LSPH Conference and Exhibition 2026 will convene key supply chain figures from the public and private sector to address persistent challenges and advance collaborative, forward-looking solutions for the industry. FAST is one of the event’s main sponsors.

Manny cited FAST’s efforts to promote co-loading solutions for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and the use of backhaul logistics, expressing hope that these strategies will be discussed further at the conference.

Co-loading refers to the consolidation of goods from multiple companies into larger trucks to reduce logistics costs per unit. FAST is promoting this as a way to help manufacturers save on costs compared to relying solely on dedicated trucks per delivery.

“With fuel prices remaining volatile, we need efficiency gains like these,” Manny said.

Meanwhile, backhaul logistics — maximizing return trips of delivery trucks to carry cargo — was also cited as a key strategy to reduce inefficiencies.

“Reducing empty miles is one of the fastest ways to bring down logistics costs,” Manny said. “If we can optimize backhaul across the industry, we can help cushion the impact of rising food prices on Filipino consumers.”

FAST Logistics Group is partnering with Agro-DigitalPH, Mayani PH, and government stakeholders to connect farmers directly with institutional buyers and improve access to efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions. As part of the initiative, an e-fulfillment and logistics hub in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya will be established to consolidate and process fresh produce, helping reduce supply chain inefficiencies and preserve product quality from farm to market. FAST will also leverage backhaul logistics and its expertise in value-added services such as packaging, bundling, and stickering.

Manny also noted increasing interest in sustainable logistics solutions, sharing that he received inquiries from FMCG companies regarding the use of fully electric vehicles for deliveries to modern trade channels such as supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail outlets.

“We’re seeing early signals that companies are ready to explore greener alternatives,” he said. “The next step is ensuring these solutions are scalable and economically viable for broader adoption.”

FAST Logistics Group: Trusted for Industry-Wide Collaboration

FAST is pursuing logistics efficiency programs through collaboration with organizations such as the DTI, the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), and other private sector partners.

These initiatives focus on improving transport utilization, reducing system-wide costs, and strengthening linkages between producers and buyers. By working closely with both public and private stakeholders, FAST supports more resilient and inclusive supply chains, particularly for sectors such as FMCG and agriculture.

“Collaboration is essential to unlocking efficiencies at scale,” Manny said. “No single player can solve these challenges alone, we need aligned efforts across the entire supply chain to drive meaningful impact.”

In times of volatility and supply chain disruptions, FAST continues to be a dependable logistics solutions partner for businesses of all sizes, helping them navigate uncertainty through efficient, scalable, and collaborative solutions.

With over 50 years of industry leadership, FAST Logistics Group provides multi-modal transport, warehousing, cross-docking, cold chain, and toll manufacturing solutions to multinational companies, local conglomerates, international startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Connect with our Solutions Experts to learn how we support businesses

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