Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from the Philippines to the United States

The Philippines and the United States have a long history of trade relations. The Philippines was a US colony from 1898 until 1946, and since then the two countries have maintained close economic ties. In recent years, trade between the Philippines and the US has grown significantly.

The vast majority of this trade is in the form of exports from the Philippines to the US, which include semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, minerals, fuels, and agricultural products.

If you are thinking about exporting from the Philippines to the United States, here is everything you need to know about the process. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the Philippines to the United States?

There are a few different options for shipping freight from the Philippines to the United States. The most common option is to use a container ship, which can carry large amounts of cargo at once. These ships typically take about two weeks to make the trip from the Philippines to the United States.

Another option is to use an air freight service. This is generally faster than using a container ship, but it is also more expensive. Airfreight services can get your cargo to the United States in as little as a few days, depending on the airline and the route that is used.

Ocean Freight From the Philippines to the United States

If you're shipping anything from the Philippines to the United States, you'll need to use ocean freight. This is the most common and economical method for shipping large items between these two countries. 

Ocean freight gives you a choice between less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

LCL is a term used in the shipping industry to describe a shipment that is too small to fill an entire container. LCL shipments are usually consolidated with other shipments bound for the same destination, and then loaded into a shared container. This type of shipping arrangement can be beneficial for companies who do not have enough product to fill an entire container but still need to ship their goods internationally.

Generally, FCL is a shipment in which the cargo fills an entire container. FCL shipments are typically larger than less-than-container loads (LCL), and thus are more ideal for larger shipments.

Air Freight from the Philippines to the United States

Air freight from the Philippines to the United States is a popular option for businesses and individuals alike. There are many reasons why this shipping method is chosen, but the most common reason is the speed at which it can get goods from one country to another. Air freight is also very reliable and can be scheduled around other commitments, making it a convenient option for those who need to get their products to market quickly.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From the Philippines to the United States?

It can cost quite a bit of money to ship cargo from the Philippines to the United States. The cost will vary depending on the size and weight of the shipment, as well as the distance it needs to travel. These factors affect the shipping costs: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

Use our online freight costs calculator to get an estimate of your shipping costs. The table below provides the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from the Philippins to the US:

How long does it take to ship cargo from the Philippines to the United States?

The transit time for goods shipped from the Philippines to the United States] is mainly determined by your selected international shipping method. However, other influencing factors include:

• The season of shipment (peak or low season)
• Whether the shipment route is direct or not
• The trade lane's popularity
• Geopolitical instability
• Possible incidents at any port

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the Philippines to the United States?

It typically takes around 15 to 50 days to ship cargo by sea from the Philippines to the United States. 

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the Philippines to the United States?

It takes approximately 2-8 days for cargo to be shipped by air from the Philippines to the United States. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in the Philippines and the United States

It is important to be familiar with the customs regulations of both the Philippines and the United States before shipping goods between the two countries. Failure to comply with customs regulations can result in delays, fines, or seizure of goods.

In general, you will need to following customs clearance documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

For examples of these documents, refer to our full documents list. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is generally cheaper than airfreight, so it can be a cost-effective way to ship goods internationally. Plus, freight ships can carry large volumes of cargo, so they are ideal for shipping large orders.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL freight shipping is the right choice for your business if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL is right for you if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

There are many pros and cons to air freight. Some people feel that it is the most efficient and quickest way to send goods, while others believe that it is too expensive and not worth the price. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

• Air freight is very fast. Your goods can be delivered anywhere in the world within a matter of days.
• It is very reliable. Once your shipment has been booked, you can be sure that it will arrive on time.
• It is safe. Your goods will be securely packed and monitored throughout the journey.
• Air freight can be expensive. The cost of shipping by air can sometimes be prohibitive.
• It can be stressful. The process of shipping by air can be complex and time-consuming.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the Philippines 

Port of Manila

The Port of Manila is the largest port in the Philippines. It is located in the country's capital city, Manila, and is administered by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The port handles both international and domestic shipping traffic.

The Port of Manila is situated at the mouth of the Pasig River, which flows into Manila Bay. The port complex consists of several facilities, including the North Harbor, South Harbor, and Manila International Container Terminal. The North Harbor is used for passenger and general cargo shipping, while the South Harbor is used for bulk cargo handling. The Manila International Container Terminal is one of the busiest container ports in Southeast Asia.

Port of Cebu

The Port of Cebu is one of the major seaports in the Philippines. It is located in the city of Cebu, on the island of Cebu. The port is a hub for domestic and international shipping traffic. It handles both passenger and cargo traffic.

The port is operated by the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA). The CPA is responsible for the operation and development of all public ports in the province of Cebu.

Port of Davao

The Port of Davao is the busiest and most important port in the southern Philippines. It is located in the city of Davao, on the island of Mindanao. The port handles cargo ships from all over the world and is a major gateway for trade and travel to and from the Philippines.

The Port of Davao is operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and is one of the busiest ports in the country. The port has a wide range of facilities and services, including a container terminal, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal, and a passenger terminal.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States

Port of Los Angeles

The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest ports in the United States. It is located in San Pedro Bay in Southern California and handles a large amount of cargo each year. The port is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to see the ships and other features of the port.

The Port of Los Angeles was established in 1907 and has since become one of the most important ports in the country. The port covers nearly 43 square miles of land and employs over 19,000 people.

Port of New York/New Jersey

The Port of New York/New Jersey is one of the busiest ports in the United States. Located at the mouth of the Hudson River, it serves as a gateway for goods coming into and leaving the country. The port is made up of several different facilities, including the Brooklyn and Staten Island terminals, the Newark Bay Terminal, and the Red Hook Container Terminal. More than 3 million containers pass through the port each year, making it one of the most important trade hubs in the world.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is one of the busiest seaports in the United States. Located in Houston, Texas, the port is a major hub for international trade and commerce. The port is also home to a large petrochemical industry.

The Port of Houston handles a wide variety of cargo, including crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, steel, lumber, containers, and general cargo. The port has a deepwater ship channel that can accommodate large ships.

Air Freight from the Philippines to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the Philippines 

Manila International Airport

Manila International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 40 million passengers every year. The airport is also a major cargo hub, with over 2 million tons of cargo being handled each year.

The airport offers a wide range of cargo services, including express shipping, warehousing, and distribution. Express shipping is available for time-sensitive shipments and can get your shipment to its destination within days. Warehousing and distribution services are available for larger shipments and can help you get your goods to where they need to go without any hassle.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the country's second busiest airport, handling over 17 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually. The airport is a hub for domestic and international flights, with over 60 airlines operating regular services to and from the airport.

The airport is served by a number of cargo operators, providing both domestic and international freight services. Mactan-Cebu International Airport is one of the most important gateways for air cargo in the Philippines, with over 50% of all air cargo arriving at or departing from the airport.

Clark International Airport

Clark International Airport is the primary airport serving the general vicinity of Clark Freeport Zone, located in Mabalacat and Dau towns in Pampanga province, about 72 miles (116 kilometers) northwest of Manila. It is branded as "The Gateway to Northern Luzon" and serves as an alternative airport to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila.

Clark International Airport offers both passenger and cargo services. It is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines in terms of aircraft movements, handling over a hundred thousand take-offs and landings every year.

Airports of arrival in the United States 

JFK International Airport

JFK International Airport is one of the busiest cargo airports in the United States. Most of the airport's freight traffic is handled by two major airlines, FedEx and UPS. JFK is also a hub for Air France Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo. These four airlines account for over 70% of all cargo traffic at JFK.

Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest and busiest airport in the United States, handling more than 84 million passengers and 2 million tons of cargo annually. LAX offers a wide variety of cargo services to meet the needs of its many customers.

Some of the cargo services offered at LAX include airfreight, courier services, express mail, freight forwarding, ground handling, and warehousing. In addition, LAX also provides a number of value-added services such as packaging, labeling, and tracking.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 1.6 million tons of cargo each year. The airport is a major hub for both domestic and international freight, with over 50 freight carriers operating to and from the airport.

The cargo services at Chicago O'Hare are some of the most efficient and reliable in the world. The airport has a state-of-the-art cargo handling facility that can accommodate up to 60 aircraft at a time. This facility is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to ensure that all shipments are handled quickly and safely.