FAST Logistics Group, the country’s leading end-to-end logistics company, empowered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city through logistics solutions for warehousing and transport needs.
FAST, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao City, gathered MSMEs during the FAST Solutions Roadshow and Roundtable Discussion on Friday, January 30, at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases here.
In his message, Oliver Encabo, FAST business unit head for inland freight, emphasized that cost remains the top concern for MSMEs, hindering their market expansion.
A survey of 38 Davao-based MSME owners showed that 78% consider high logistics costs as the biggest challenge affecting their businesses.
Meanwhile, the cost of handling is among the top concerns for more than 9 in 10 MSMEs when considering a logistics partner.
“We want to help local businesses. Mag-focus kayo sa paglago ng negosyo ninyo. Kami na ang bahala sa pag-transport ng products. That is our vision,” Encano said.
More than assistance, he stressed that FAST offers tailor-fit support for MSMEs.
“World-class logistics solutions should not be exclusive to FMCG or the biggest brands. We share the view of the DTI and the Davao Chamber of Commerce that logistics solutions should be available and accessible for homegrown brands, so they can grow and reach their full potential,” Encabo said.
FAST has been in the logistics industry for 50 years, serving major brands, including but not limited to Jollibee, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Milo, Nescafé, Lucky Me, Colgate, among others.
Encabo added that FAST has an 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.
“We also offer sea and air freight, as we leverage our partnership with 14 shipping lines and two airlines to bring goods wherever they need to be,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Joey Nuñez, FAST senior manager for commercial development of new verticals, showcased integrated logistics solutions covering multi-modal transport (inland freight, RoRo, sea freight, and air freight), warehousing, crossdocking, ColdChain, and value-added services for MSMEs seeking to expand.
FAST also presented end-to-end trade fair trade support from product pickup, transport, permits, and delivery to the trade fair venue.
The services allow MSMEs to focus on showcasing their products during DTI-organized trade fairs outside Mindanao.
Nuñez explained that in FAST’s end-to-end trade fair support, products are picked up and delivered directly to the venue, removing the transport burden from MSMEs.
FAST operates two warehouses in Davao: one in Sasa and another in the newly-opened FAST Logistics and Crossdock Mega Hub in Acacia, Barangay Buhangin.
FAST also has an existing trucking support program for truck owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, which includes a guaranteed monthly revenue option, dry leasing arrangements, financing options, a fuel savings program, and driver and helper hiring assistance.
Lani Catalan, Business Development Division chief, DTI Davao City, said the entry of FAST in the local business ecosystem will contribute to the enhanced competitiveness of MSMEs
“This collaboration is a welcome development, as it directly supports our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing one of their most critical needs- reliable and efficient logistics that ensure their products reach clients promptly and safely,” Catalan said.
Presently, there are 50,000 registered enterprises in the city, where 90% are MSMEs.
The event is part of FAST’s Mindanao roadshow. Last week, FAST convened MSMEs in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas in Misamis Oriental.
