According to Iprice Group, the Philippines reported the highest increase of online shopping among Southeast Asian countries at 57%. This trend, fast-tracked by the pandemic, is promising news to the courier and delivery services industry, which has been a vital link to goods and services. As online shopping increases among Filipinos and small businesses shift to entirely digital selling formats, new and veteran courier players alike have developed to adapt to these changes.
From decades of experience to new and future-proof solutions, here are the top 10 logistics companies for you or your business’ next delivery, and why these made the cut:
1.LBC Express (www.lbcexpress.com)
The pioneer and market leader for courier services in the country, LBC Express boasts of the most comprehensive delivery network – over 6,400 locations in 30 countries worldwide. Accessible for both individuals and businesses alike, LBC’s extensive services range from money remittances to large cargo deliveries, with options for express delivery. With the rise of online sellers, LBC has pivoted to serve them better through SoShop!, an online membership portal that provides competitive rates, selling platforms, and a wealth of learning resources.
Why trust them? 76 years of reliable experience that continues to innovate.
2. 2GO Express (express.2go.com.ph)
2GO Express is the last mile arm of the 2GO Group, a total logistics solution with 72 years of experience. Under 2GO Express, individuals and businesses can avail of direct-to-door delivery of documents, boxes, and cargo nationwide, with express and even same-day delivery. Through SM Group, the company offers special services such as transferring consigned stocks to malls, and consolidation and delivery of online sales from malls.
Why trust them? As of 2021, 2GO is majority-owned by SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), part of one of the largest conglomerates in the country. It has also formed key partnerships with FedEx and SM Malls as their official partner for retail deliveries.
3. JRS Express (www.jrs-express.com)
Since 1960, JRS Express has been innovating in all ways for its consumers. 60 years ago, it was the first courier company to acquire a C-45 for next-day deliveries via airfreight. Today, it continues 440 branches strong, offering express nationwide and international deliveries of documents, boxes, and cargo to individuals and businesses alike.
JRS has also gone to the grassroots level and has created solutions for the everyday Filipino. Select branches offer JRS Office+, an office hub for small businesses in the area for computer services, photocopying, and the like. “Lipat Bahay” and money remittance services were also added, and to keep with the times, the company has also integrated SMS package tracking and cashless payments via GCash and Alipay.
Why trust them? 61 years of experience, and the added customer services that go the extra mile.
4. AP Cargo (www.apcargo.com.ph)
AP Cargo is proud of its 49 year legacy of high-level care in courier and logistics. The company provides individuals and businesses nationwide door-to-door delivery of documents, boxes, and cargo at a competitive flat rate. From plants to breakables that can be delivered via airfreight, AP Cargo even offers an airport to airport service to reduce handling.
Their excellent customer service also translates into their subsidiaries formed exclusively for large corporations: AP Transway, Inc. for Aboitiz Express Outlets and Air Agency, and AP Transware for Nestle Philippines, Inc. As their tagline goes, “[they] take it personally”.
Why trust them? Level of client care – from big clients to fragile packages.
5. ABest Express (www.abestexpress.com)
ABest differentiates by positioning itself as the “affordable alternative” local courier. While others explore new segments and products, ABest continues to focus on its core business of nationwide door-to-door delivery of documents, boxes, and cargo at competitive rates and does this excellently. Despite its expansive presence in over 40 provinces and managing its in-house fleet, ABest can deliver packages nationwide below the P100 price point. This proves that while new may be better, sometimes, simple is best.
Why trust them? Simple and reliable. They take pride in being trusted by big enterprises and banks for over 20 years.
6. Entrego (www.entrego.com.ph)
Entrego paved the way for a league of couriers that capitalized on the growth of the e-commerce market in the Philippines. One of the first movers in e-commerce fulfillment, Entrego was established as the logistics partner to fashion e-retail giant ZALORA in 2013. Now, it provides nationwide door-to-door delivery of documents and boxes from small businesses to large corporations. They also include features fit for online sellers, such as MyEntrego, a customer online portal to book and manage shipments, API integration, and warehousing services.
Why trust them? Seasoned eCommerce background with ZALORA, and current partnerships with Lazada and Shopee. The company is backed by majority shareholder AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation of the Ayala Group, another major conglomerate in the Philippines.
7. Black Arrow Express (www.blackarrow.express)
While only 5 years young, Black Arrow Express (BAE) carries with it 40 years of logistics expertise under its mother company AAI Worldwide Logistics. As the last-mile arm of the Group, BAE specializes in nationwide door-to-door delivery of documents, boxes, and cargo to businesses, with express and same-day delivery. While also delighting online sellers through API integration and inventory management, BAE also leverages AAI’s strength to offer end-to-end services in the import-export value chain – up to freight forwarding and customs brokerage.
Why trust them? End to End logistics expertise, as trusted by Shopee, M Lhuillier, and others.
8. Ninja Van (www.ninjavan.co/en-ph)
Singapore-bred Ninja Van took the Southeast Asian e-commerce market by storm, with its proposition as an enabler for all online businesses. From small-time online sellers to large enterprises, businesses can avail of their nationwide door-to-door document and box deliveries, with options for express and same-day delivery. Large enterprises can also leverage their Southeast Asia coverage and expand to the region. Added services also include API integration, logistics management, and even a business insights program.
While other companies keep their business fully in-house, Ninja Van leverages on partnerships to quickly scale, from “Ninja Point” drop-offs to tapping local counterparts per country for last-mile delivery. They have also been aggressive in tapping major e-retailers to drive awareness and credibility.
Why trust them? Courier of choice of local e-retailers Shopee, Lazada, BeautyMNL, among others.
9. J&T Express (www.jtexpress.ph)
Hailing from Indonesia, J&T has catapulted into success in the Philippines since 2019 as Shopee’s courier of choice. With over 600 branches nationwide and their network of trucks and riders, individuals and businesses alike can avail of document and box deliveries door to door at competitive rates, with an option for express delivery. While they call themselves a technology-based express company and provide many means to track your shipment, what sets J&T apart is their commitment to a fast claims system as a testament to quality.
Why trust them? Shopee, PLDT, Smart Philippines’ shipper of choice.
10. GoGo Xpress (www.gogoxpress.com)
The brainchild of LBC’s former COO Dino Araneta, GoGo Xpress of QuadX is a young courier company poised for the future. An application-based courier service that targets small to medium enterprises, GoGo Xpress delivers documents and boxes at competitive rates nationwide. It also has extra seller-friendly features such as a virtual wallet to store COD transactions, a no COD fee policy, and rebates for late delivery as a commitment to timeliness. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also an accredited courier for Shopee.
Much potential is seen for GoGo Xpress as it looks into creating Social Commerce fulfillment tools in the future – a US$1.2B industry estimated to grow by 32% in 5 years.
Why trust them? A combination of LBC logistics expertise with a digital road map.
Sources:
Iprice Group Report: https://iprice.ph/trends/insights/the-coronavirus-speeds-up-the-philippines-online-economy/
2GO acquisition: https://www.bworldonline.com/smic-completes-acquisition-of-2go-shares/
Entrego by AC Infra: http://www.acinfra.com.ph/entrego-technology-driven-logistics-digital-world
GoGo Xpress 2021 Social Commerce: https://www.techinasia.com/grabexpress-lalamove-competition
