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

The United States and the Philippines are known to have a powerful alliance owing to their friendship and mutual economic interests. Over the years, this relationship has continued to evolve, driven by historical ties and shared values. 

In 2022, the United States exported $9.3 billion worth of goods to the Philippines, a 15% increase from the last 10 years. The countries share a bilateral trade agreement dating back to 1989, which helps their trade relationship flourish. 

If you want to ship from the United States to the Philippines, this guide will cover everything you need to know about your ocean and air freight shipping options and walk you through the process. 

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

To ship freight from the United States to the Philippines, you can choose between ocean freight and air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to the Philippines

Ocean freight is the most common way to ship goods from the United States to the Philippines because of its cost efficiency and flexibility. Shippers can transport any type of goods they need to the Philippines through this international shipping mode.

It also offers two modes of container shipping: less-than-container load (LCL) and full-container load (FCL). 

LCL is often used by shippers transporting small cargo. It involves the consolidation process, in which goods are consolidated with shipments belonging to other sellers. That way, a shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy, making it an economical choice. 

FCL, on the other hand, is used by those transporting large cargo. The shippers rent the space in an entire container for their goods alone, giving them more control and ensuring their cargo's security. FCL can be more expensive than LCL, but you get your money’s worth if you ship large volumes of goods. 

Air Freight from the United States to the Philippines

Another way to ship goods from the United States to the Philippines is air freight. It’s the fastest but also the most expensive mode of international shipping. Shippers of high-value goods also particularly like air freight because stricter airport regulations can guarantee the security of their cargo. 

Air freight, however, cannot accommodate all types of goods. It has restrictions and prohibitions on what you can and cannot ship and how big, heavy, and voluminous your cargo can be. 

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

The shipping cost for cargo shipped from the United States to the Philippines will depend on a couple of factors, including: 

• 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

If you need an estimate of your shipping cost, you can use our online freight costs calculator. You will also find the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the US to the Philippines in the table below:

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

The time it takes to ship goods from the United States to the Philippines is largely dependent on the international shipping mode selected. However, the following factors also play a role:

• The season (peak or low) during which you ship
• Whether the shipment route is direct
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical instability
• Incidents that might occur at ports

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

Ocean freight from the United States to the Philippines will take approximately 15 to 50 weeks. This can also depend on the season in which you ship.

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

Air freight from the United States to the Philippines will take only 2 to 10 business days. 

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

Customs Clearance in the United States and the Philippines

When your US goods arrive in the Philippines, they will go through the Philippines customs authorities. This is called the customs clearance process, which will require you to submit the following paperwork: 

• 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

We have a full list of documents that you can refer to for examples of customs clearance requirements. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean freight and air freight for your United States to the Philippines shipment, you must consider your needs, priorities, and cargo requirements. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the best option if you value cost savings and flexibility. Able to accommodate any type of goods, ocean freight provides you with options for how to ship your cargo, LCL or FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is suitable for you 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 the right mode of ocean freight shipping 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

If you prioritize completing your shipment from the United States to the Philippines fast, then air freight is your best option. When shipped by air, your shipment only takes a couple of days to complete, and you enjoy more security because of stricter airport processes. Therefore, This international shipping mode is best for time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value goods. 

It’s worth noting, however, that air freight is the most expensive way to ship goods from the United States to the Philippines. It also cannot accommodate all types of cargo. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of New Jersey and New York

The Port of New Jersey and New York is the largest on the East Coast, handling over 7.4 million containers annually. It ships many cargo types and houses the Port Authority Marine Terminal. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is located in Los Angeles, California. It is the 21st busiest container port in the world, handling 9.3 million TEUs per year. The port is famous for its eco-friendly policies and role as a major trade gateway. 

Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah is located in the US state of Georgia. It is the largest single-terminal container facility in North America. The port primarily handles goods such as cars, machinery, and agricultural products. It’s an important port that facilitates trade between the US and Asia. 

Cargo ports of arrival in the Philippines

Port of Manila

The Port of Manila is the largest in the Philippines by land area and cargo traffic. It has three port harbor regions: the North Harbor, the South Harbor, and the Manila International Container Terminal. The port is the premier domestic and international port in the Philippines.

Port of Cebu 

The Port of Cebu is the largest domestic port in the Philippines, and it is operated and managed by the Cebu Port Authority. It is located in the North Reclamation Area, covering 21 hectares. The port has 4 kilometers of berthing space for cargo ships. 

Port of Subic

The Port of Subic is one of the largest commercial ports in the Philippines. It used to serve as an erstwhile base for the United States Navy. The port spreads over Olongapo, Zambales, Bataan, and Morong. It can handle 600,000 TEUs per year. 

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

Airports of origin in the United States

Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport

The Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport ranks 23rd on the list of global airports. In recent years, it has experienced a 65% increase in landed weight. It’s the world’s first industrial airport and is home to Amazon’s new regional air hub. 

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has seen significant growth in air freight traffic in recent years. In 2019, it raised $36 million to construct a 200,000-square-foot cargo facility. 

Tampa International Airport

The Tampa International Airport is the second-largest cargo airport in Florida. In recent years, cargo traffic has grown by 231%. In 2019, the airport invested $69 million in its cargo facilities. 

Airports of arrival in the Philippines

Ninoy Aquino International Airport 

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as the Manila International Airport, is the leading international airport serving Metro Manila, Philippines. It is 7 kilometers from the south of Manila. The airport is the main gateway to the Philippines. 

Mactan–Cebu International Airport

The Mactan–Cebu International Airport serves the province of Cebu and is the main gateway to the Philippines’ Central Visayas region. It is located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, and is the country’s second-busiest airport. 

Cauayan City Airport

The Cauayan City Airport serves the general area of Cauayan, Isabela, Philippines. It is one of three commercial airports in the region; the other two are Palanan Airport and Maconacon Airport. The airport is a hub for Sky Pasada.