Stronger MSME Logistics – FAST Champions ‘Shared Logistics’ at 2026 National Food Fair

FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading provider of integrated end-to-end logistics, reinforced the role of shared logistics as a practical and cost-efficient solution for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing a costly and unpredictable supply chain environment. 

Speaking at the 2026 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair – Business Talks on Thursday, April 9, FAST VP for Strategic Growth Initiatives Gladys Ceniza discussed how FAST’s shared logistics solutions can help food manufacturers and other growing businesses adapt to the challenges of today’s logistics landscape.

Held at SM Megamall, the 2026 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair brought together over 300 Filipino food manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to showcase locally made products and support business growth. The event was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and will run until Sunday, April 12.

During her talk, Gladys emphasized that MSMEs face a very different logistics situation compared with large brands. 

While larger companies usually ship in bulk and follow fixed delivery schedules, smaller businesses often move goods in small, fragmented volumes. Their deliveries also tend to depend on fluctuating order demand, making transport and warehouse planning less predictable and more expensive. 

As a result, many MSMEs use only a small portion of a truck or warehouse space while still paying disproportionately high logistics costs.

Gladys pointed out that these challenges can significantly affect profitability, especially at a time when fuel prices are high and supply chain conditions remain unstable.

Empowering Philippine MSMEs Through Shared Logistics

To address these challenges, Gladys explained that FAST has been promoting shared logistics solutions that give smaller businesses access to more efficient and scalable logistics services. Here are some of them.

Consolidation and Co-Loading

Instead of moving small shipments separately, FAST combines goods from multiple businesses to maximize the use of shared truck space, sea freight containers, or warehouse facilities. By consolidating and co-loading shipments into larger loads, businesses can reduce costs per unit.

FAST uses consolidation and co-loading to provide end-to-end trade fair logistics support. This covers the full logistics process for MSMEs, from product pickup and transport to permit processing and on-site delivery. End-to-end trade fair logistics support allows MSME exhibitors to join trade fairs more easily and focus on engaging with buyers.

Through this solution, FAST assists with processing ingress forms and vehicle passes required by event venues and shopping malls. With FAST handling logistics behind the scenes, MSME exhibitors can focus on presenting and selling their products to more buyers and consumers.

Backhaul Logistics

FAST has been pushing for stronger backhaul logistics, which refers to maximizing truck space on return trips after deliveries are completed.

Instead of allowing vehicles to return empty, FAST uses available return capacity and offers it as a cost-efficient solution for MSMEs. For businesses, this means they can take advantage of truck space that would otherwise go unused. 

It also enables FAST to optimize fleet utilization by ensuring that vehicles generate value even on their return routes. 

Pay-Per-Use Warehouse Solution

For businesses with limited storage capacity, FAST also offers shared warehouses through flexible pay-per-pallet or pay-per-day arrangements. This gives MSMEs access to temporary storage without requiring long-term contracts or huge fixed costs.

MSME Logistics: Smart Solutions for Cost-Efficiency and Reliability

Beyond shared logistics, FAST also offers solutions that help MSMEs operate more efficiently and reliably. These are: 

Nationwide Coverage Expansion

FAST supports MSMEs through its nationwide network, helping them reach remote areas in the Philippines more efficiently. With a presence in 94% of Philippine provinces, FAST can deliver goods even to far-flung areas through multimodal transport solutions (land, RoRo, sea, and air).

For businesses looking to expand beyond their local markets, this wider reach can create new sales opportunities and improve customer access nationwide.

Door-to-Door Delivery Service

FAST’s door-to-door delivery service adds convenience and reliability for MSMEs. The company can pick up products directly from businesses and deliver them straight to customers’ doorsteps.

Cargo Insurance

All shipments are covered by insurance, giving MSMEs more confidence when transporting their goods. While FAST takes every precaution to protect cargo in transit, the company also provides compensation for goods damaged during delivery. This added protection is especially valuable for smaller businesses that may be more vulnerable to losses.

Forward Stock Solution

FAST offers forward stocking, which refers to a logistics strategy that involves shipping goods in bulk and pre-positioning inventory in key locations closer to customers.

It helps businesses prepare for disruptions in advance. Forward stocking also reduces lead times, improves service levels, and responds more quickly to customer demand, even when supply chain conditions are challenging.

Logistics as Enabler of Business Growth

Throughout the presentation, Gladys underscored a broader belief that guides FAST’s approach: logistics should be an enabler and equalizer. For MSMEs, logistics is often one of the biggest barriers to growth. But with the right logistics partner, Philippine businesses are geared for expansion, resilience, and competitiveness.

As the supply chain crisis continues to reshape the business environment, shared logistics in the Philippines is becoming more than just an efficiency strategy. It is increasingly a growth enabler for businesses that need to do more with less.

With over 50 years of industry leadership, FAST is the Philippines’ largest third-party logistics (3PL) provider trusted by businesses of all sizes, including MSMEs. Connect with our Solutions Experts to learn more